A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Trikafta is a medication specifically designed for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in patients aged 6 years and older who have at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene, which is the most common cystic fibrosis-causing mutation. Trikafta is a combination of three drugs: elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor, each playing a crucial role in improving the function of the defective protein produced by the CFTR gene. By helping the protein made by the CFTR gene function better, Trikafta facilitates better hydration and clearance of mucus from the airways.
Before you buy Trikafta, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and affordability Trikafta cost.
Fact Table | |
---|---|
Formula | C24H18F2N2O6 (Elexacaftor), C26H27F3N2O6 (Tezacaftor), C24H28F2N2O3 (Ivacaftor) |
License | FDA approved |
Bioavailability | ~80% for Ivacaftor, not fully established for the combination |
Legal status | Prescription Drug |
Chemical Name | Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor combination |
Elimination half-life | Elexacaftor: ~29 hours, Tezacaftor: ~41 hours, Ivacaftor: ~12 hours |
Dosage (Strength) | Elexacaftor 100 mg/Tezacaftor 50 mg/Ivacaftor 75 mg tablets |
Pregnancy | Caution is advised; consult a healthcare provider |
Brands | Trikafta |
Protein binding | Elexacaftor: ~99.7%, Tezacaftor: ~99%, Ivacaftor: ~99% |
PubChem CID | Elexacaftor: 71542345, Tezacaftor: 60171519, Ivacaftor: 16220172 |
MedlinePlus | Listed for Trikafta |
ChEBI | Elexacaftor: 145486, Tezacaftor: 145485, Ivacaftor: 145487 |
ATC code | R07AX32 |
DrugBank | Elexacaftor: DB15207, Tezacaftor: DB12105, Ivacaftor: DB08820 |
KEGG | Elexacaftor: D11467, Tezacaftor: D10657, Ivacaftor: D10347 |
Routes of administration | Oral |
Trikafta should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The standard dosage involves taking two tablets in the morning and one tablet in the evening, approximately 12 hours apart. Tablets should be taken with fat-containing food to enhance absorption. It is crucial to adhere to the prescribed schedule without skipping doses to maintain optimal levels of the medication in your system. Always consult with your healthcare provider for specific dosing instructions tailored to your treatment needs.
Each tablet of Trikafta medication contains the active ingredients elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor.
Before starting Trikafta, discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or are taking other medications that might affect the liver.
Regular blood tests may be required to monitor your liver function while on Trikafta.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor as Trikafta could potentially affect your baby.
Trikafta can interact with a variety of other medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects. These include but are not limited to antibiotics such as rifampin or rifabutin, seizure medications such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or phenytoin, antifungal agents like ketoconazole or itraconazole, herbal supplements, particularly St. John's Wort. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking.
Common side effects of Trikafta include:
What is Trikafta?
Trikafta is a prescription medication used to treat cystic fibrosis in patients aged 2 years and older who have at least one copy of the F508del mutation in the CFTR gene or another mutation that is responsive to Trikafta.
How does Trikafta work?
Trikafta is a CFTR modulator that helps defective CFTR proteins work more effectively. It contains elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor, which assist the faulty CFTR protein in folding correctly and help the corrected channel stay open.
Why is Trikafta so expensive?
The high cost of Trikafta, which is more than $300,000 annually, is due to various factors including the cost of research and development, manufacturing, and the fact that it treats a rare disease. However, it’s noted that the list price far exceeds the cost to manufacture the medication.
What does Trikafta treat?
Trikafta is used to treat cystic fibrosis in patients aged 2 years and older who have at least one copy of the F508del mutation in the CFTR gene or another mutation that is responsive to Trikafta.
What are the long-term effects of Trikafta?
Long-term treatment with Trikafta leads to sustained improvements in lung function, easing of respiratory symptoms, and better nutritional status for people with cystic fibrosis who have at least one copy of the F508del mutation.
Can you drink alcohol on Trikafta?
It is recommended to limit alcoholic beverages while on Trikafta.
Can you stop Trikafta?
You should not stop or change your Trikafta dosage without talking to your doctor first.
What are the cons of Trikafta?
Some of the cons of Trikafta include potential side effects such as headache, upper respiratory tract infections, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, and increased liver enzymes. Rare but serious side effects include liver damage and eye problems.
What happens if I miss a day of Trikafta?
If you miss a dose of Trikafta and it’s less than 6 hours from the time you usually take it, take the missed dose as soon as possible and take the next dose at your usual time.
Does Trikafta cause weight gain?
Yes, treatment with Trikafta has been associated with an increase in body weight.