Shall we talk about the drug Trikafta (Elexacaftor; Tezacaftor; Ivacaftor)?

If you or a loved one has cystic fibrosis (CF), you probably know all too well the challenges of living with it. But with the advancement of medicine, new treatments and new hopes are constantly being added. Today, we are going to talk about a special drug that has brought such new hope. The name of this drug is Trikafta. Let's see what this drug is, how it works, and what precautions you need to take while using it, in a simple way that you can understand.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, Trikafta is a medication used to treat cystic fibrosis (CF). It is a combination of three drugs: Elexacaftor, Tezacaftor, and Ivacaftor.

Imagine, the mucus inside the lungs of a person with CF is very thick and sticky. Like thick glue. This makes it difficult to breathe, and infections occur frequently. This is because there is a problem with the movement of salt and water through the cells of the body.

This is where Trikafta comes in. It works by correcting the problem with salt and water movement, helping the body maintain balance. This helps the thick mucus in the lungs become liquefied, thinned, and more easily removed from the body . This can help control CF symptoms to a great extent.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

This is a very important part. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. So, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.

• Kidney disease: If you have any kidney-related condition.
• Liver disease: If you have any liver problems.
• Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies, not just to the ingredients in this medicine, but also to any other medicine, food, or dye.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.

It is very important for your safety to tell the doctor this information without hiding it.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly. Keep these things in mind.

1. Take with food: This is the most important thing. This medicine should be taken with a meal containing fat . Do not take it on an empty stomach. For example, take the medicine with something containing fat, such as an egg, some peanut butter, some cheese, or yogurt. The medicine is absorbed better by the body when taken with food.

2. Swallow the tablet: Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with a little water.

3. Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.

4. This is very important: Do not take this medicine with grapefruit juice for any reason. Grapefruit juice can react with this medicine and cause dangerous side effects in the body.

5. Don't stop: Continue taking the medication until your doctor tells you to stop.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication and drink too much?

If you miss a dose of medication

Don't worry about missing a dose. The best thing to do as soon as you remember is to talk to your doctor. He or she will tell you what to do next. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose .

Overdose

Imagine you have accidentally taken too much medicine. This is an emergency. If this happens , immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) without delay.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Some medications, foods, and herbs can interact with Trikafta, reducing its effectiveness or causing dangerous side effects. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Other things to keep in mind when taking the medicine

• Regular check-ups: Your doctor will check you regularly. Don't skip those appointments. Tell him if your symptoms don't improve or get worse.
• Eye and blood tests: Your doctor may want to check your eyesight and blood before and while you start taking this medicine.
• Vision changes: If you notice any changes in your vision (blurry vision, seeing rings around lights), tell your doctor immediately.
• Headache and Driving: This medicine can sometimes cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Drinking alcohol can make this condition worse.

Let's learn about side effects.

Like any medicine, Trikafta can cause side effects. Although not everyone gets them, it is important to be aware of them.