tafamidis at a glance
Medicine class
Selective transthyretin stabiliser
Licensed use
Cardiomyopathy caused by wild-type or hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis in adults
Form
Oral soft capsule that must be swallowed whole
Food
May be taken with or without food
Starting treatment
Initiated under a clinician experienced in amyloidosis or cardiomyopathy
What is tafamidis used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treatment of wild-type or hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy in adults.
How does tafamidis work?
Transthyretin normally circulates as a four-part protein. Tafamidis binds to and stabilises this structure, slowing separation into smaller units that can misfold and form amyloid deposits in the heart.
tafamidis preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 61 mg
How to take tafamidis
Follow the specialist’s instructions. Swallow the soft capsule whole. It may be taken with or without food.
Swallow whole.
Do not crush, cut or open the capsule.
Take with or without food.
tafamidis side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
- Itching
- Flatulence and increased liver-function tests occurred more often than with placebo in a trial, although a causal relationship was not established.
Get urgent medical advice
- Call 999 for sudden swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, severe dizziness or fainting—possible signs of a severe allergic reaction.
tafamidis in pregnancy
Tafamidis is not recommended during pregnancy because human data are unavailable and developmental toxicity occurred in animal studies. People who could become pregnant should use appropriate contraception during treatment and for one month after stopping, and contact their specialist if planning a pregnancy or becoming pregnant.
tafamidis while breastfeeding
Tafamidis should not be used while breastfeeding. Animal data show transfer into milk, and a risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded; discuss alternatives with the specialist team.
tafamidis interactions
Tafamidis inhibits some medicine transport proteins. Tell the specialist or pharmacist about all prescribed, over-the-counter and antiviral medicines.
Rosuvastatin or atorvastatin
Exposure may increase; monitor for statin-related adverse effects and review the statin if needed.
Apixaban or rivaroxaban
Exposure may increase through BCRP inhibition; monitor for anticoagulant-related adverse effects, including bleeding.
Methotrexate or imatinib
Exposure may increase; monitor for adverse effects associated with the interacting treatment.
Common questions about tafamidis
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is tafamidis used for?
It treats adults whose heart is affected by wild-type or hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.
Does tafamidis cure transthyretin amyloidosis?
It is not described as a cure. It stabilises transthyretin to slow the amyloid-forming process and is used alongside standard care.
Can tafamidis be taken with food?
Yes. The soft capsule may be taken with or without food.
Can tafamidis capsules be opened or crushed?
No. Swallow the soft capsule whole without opening, crushing or cutting it.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.