Drug Interactions between ivacaftor / lumacaftor and zonisamide

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of zonisamide such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with zonisamide. Do not use more than the recommended dose of zonisamide, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Ivacaftor should be taken with fat-containing foods such as eggs, avocados, nuts, meat, butter, peanut butter, cheese pizza, and whole-milk dairy products to help with its absorption. Do not consume grapefruit juice or any food that contains grapefruit or Seville oranges during treatment with ivacaftor unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels of ivacaftor. This may increase the risk and/or severity of serious side effects such as liver damage. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. 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.