Symdeko Side Effects

Generic name: ivacaftor / tezacaftor

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 19, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Symdeko Side Effects associated with ivacaftor / tezacaftor. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Symdeko.

Applies to ivacaftor / tezacaftor: oral tablet.

Common side effects of Symdeko

Some side effects of ivacaftor / tezacaftor 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

• headache

Less common side effects

• stuffy nose

Serious side effects of Symdeko

Along with its needed effects, ivacaftor/tezacaftor 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 / tezacaftor:

Rare side effects

• nausea
• severe constipation
• stomach pain
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• blindness
• blurred vision
• chest tightness
• cough
• dark urine
• decreased vision
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hives, itching, skin rash
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• trouble breathing
• yellow skin or eyes

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ivacaftor / tezacaftor: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects have included headache, nasopharyngitis, nausea, sinus congestion, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Non-congenital lens opacities

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Sinus congestion

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Transaminase elevations

The incidence of maximum transaminase (ALT or AST) elevations to greater than 8 times the upper limit of normal (8 x ULN), greater than 5 x ULN, or greater than 3 x ULN was similar between drug treated and placebo treated patients (0.2%, 1%, 3.4% versus 0.4%, 1%, 3.4%, respectively). A total of 3 patients in clinical trials permanently discontinued therapy due to elevated transaminases (1 drug treated and 2 on placebo). No drug-treated patient experienced a transaminase elevation greater than 3 x ULN associated with elevated total bilirubin greater than 2 x ULN.

Frequently asked questions

• How does Symdeko work?
• What is the difference between Symdeko and Orkambi?
• What is the difference between Symdeko and Kalydeco?
• How do the warnings differ between Symdeko and Orkambi?
• Can you take Symdeko with birth control pills?
• How are Symdeko tablets taken?

Further information

Symdeko 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