Drug Interactions between buprenorphine and ivacaftor / lumacaftor

Ivacaftor may increase the blood levels of buprenorphine. This can increase side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should seek medical attention if you experience dizziness, fainting, confusion, excessive drowsiness, slow heart rate, and/or shallow or difficult breathing. Do not drink alcohol during treatment with buprenorphine, and do not use more than the dose prescribed by your doctor. Also, avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how these medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Lumacaftor may reduce the blood levels of buprenorphine, which may make the medication less effective. If you have been receiving treatment with buprenorphine, adding lumacaftor may also cause you to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, yawning, excessive sweating, goose bumps, fever, chills, flushing, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, depression, pupil dilation, tremor, rapid heart beat, body aches, involuntary twitching and kicking, abdominal cramping, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Using lumacaftor with buprenorphine may also increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes during treatment with these medications. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.