Ivacaftor Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 3, 2024.

Applies to ivacaftor: oral granule, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of ivacaftor

Along with its needed effects, ivacaftor may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ivacaftor:

More common side effects

• body aches or pain
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• difficulty with breathing or trouble breathing
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• dark urine
• fever with or without chills
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

incidence not known

• chest tightness
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hives, itching, skin rash
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

Other side effects of ivacaftor

Some side effects of ivacaftor may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• blemishes on the skin
• diarrhea
• difficulty with moving
• muscle aches, pain, or stiffness
• pain in the joints
• pimples
• rash

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ivacaftor: oral granule for reconstitution, oral tablet.

Dermatologic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Acne^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Oropharyngeal pain (22%), abdominal pain (16%), diarrhea (13%), nausea (12%)^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Transaminase elevations (up to 27.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Increased aspartate aminotransferase, increased hepatic enzymes, transaminase elevations^[Ref]

Maximum transaminase (ALT or AST) levels of greater than 8 times upper limit of normal (ULN), greater than 5 times ULN, and greater than 3 times ULN were reported in 2%, 3%, and 6% of patients treated with ivacaftor, respectively.

In patients aged 12 months to less than 24 months (N=19), the incidence transaminase elevations (ALT or AST) greater than 3, greater than 5, and greater than 8 times the upper limit of normal (x ULN) was 27.8% (5/18), 11.1% (2/18) and 11.1% (2/18), respectively. In patients aged 6 months to less than 12 months (N=11) one patient (9.1%) had elevated ALT of greater than 3 to less than or equal to 5 x ULN. No patients had elevations in total bilirubin, or discontinued ivacaftor treatment due to transaminase elevations.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased blood glucose^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, musculoskeletal chest pain, myalgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (24%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, sinus headache^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Pyrexia (14.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Bacteria in sputum, ear discomfort, ear pain, tinnitus, tympanic membrane hyperemia, ear congestion^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (22%), nasal congestion (20%), nasopharyngitis (15%), cystic fibrosis lung (38.5%), cough (36.7%), productive cough (12.8%), rales (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Rhinitis, pharyngeal erythema, pleuritic pain, sinus congestion, wheezing^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Breast mass
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Breast inflammation, gynecomastia, nipple disorder, nipple pain^[Ref]

Ocular

• Postmarketing reports: Non-congenital lens opacities/cataracts (in pediatric patients up to 12 years of age)^[Ref]

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Further information

Ivacaftor side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer