Lumacaftor-Ivacaftor

Pronounced

"LOO-ma-KAF-tor/EYE-va-KAF-tor"

Common brand names:

Orkambi

Uses

This medication is a combination of 2 medications: lumacaftor and ivacaftor. It is used to treat cystic fibrosis in certain people (those with 2 copies of an abnormal "CFTR" gene). It may help to improve breathing, reduce the risk of lung infections, and improve weight gain.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking lumacaftor/ivacaftor and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (12 hours apart). Eat a fat-containing meal or snack just before or just after taking this medication. Examples include eggs, avocados, nuts, butter, peanut butter, cheese pizza, or whole-milk dairy products (such as whole milk, cheese, yogurt).

If you are taking the granules form of this medication, gently shake the packet before use. Open the packet and carefully pour the contents into a small bowl with 1 teaspoonful (5 milliliters) of soft food or liquid (such as yogurt, applesauce, pudding, milk, or juice). The soft food or liquid should be at or below room temperature. After mixing, take all of the mixture within 1 hour. Be sure to eat a fat-containing food as directed.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Children's dosage may also be based on weight. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. If your dose is temporarily stopped for longer than 1 week, ask your doctor for specific directions to restart this medication. If you are taking certain other medications, you may be directed to restart at a lower dose for the first week.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.