Drug Interaction Report

Using ivacaftor together with rifAMPin is generally not recommended. Combining these medications may significantly decrease the blood levels of ivacaftor, which may make the medication less effective in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. 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.

Food can decrease the levels of rifAMPin in your body. Taking rifAMPin on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal) will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking rifAMPin because alcohol use may increase the risk of damage to your liver. It is important to seek immediate medical care if you experience any severe side effects or symptoms of liver damage such as fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes. 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.

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.