cystic fibrosis FAQ

There is a savings coupon available from the drugmaker that may allow you to pay as little as $0 for your prescription. Whether you are eligible depends on whether you have prescription insurance and what type of insurance you have. You can find out more at Vertex GPS™ Patient Support Program | ALYFTREK™ (vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor) .

Based on the current clinical studies, Alyftrek is a safe and effective treatment for people with cystic fibrosis. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation published a CFTR modulator therapy care guideline in 2018. Alyftrek is not included in these guidelines since it was approved by the FDA after these guidelines were published.

Alyftrek is a type of medicine called a CFTR modulator. Alyftrek is designed to help make the broken CFTR protein in people with cystic fibrosis work better. Since different genetic mutations can cause different types of problems with the protein, the medicines available today only work for people with certain mutations. Alyftrek is approved for people who have at least one F508del mutation or another responsive mutation in the CFTR gene. Alyftrek contains three active ingredients (vanzacaftor, tezacaftor, and deutivacaftor) that work together to help the CFTR protein work better. Vanzacaftor and tezacaftor help the CFTR protein fold correctly and move to the cell surface, while deutivacaftor increases CFTR activity to lower the buildup of mucus. By helping CFTR work better, Alyftrek helps thin mucus in the lungs and other organs, making it easier to clear and reducing complications of cystic fibrosis.

Your body uses special enzymes called CYP450 to break down certain medicines. When you have long-term illness, your body may produce more or less of these enzymes, which can change how some medicines work. Some medicines and foods may affect the levels of these enzymes, which could impact how Alyftrek works in your body. Avoid CYP3A Inducers: Some medicines called CYP3A inducers (e.g. carbamazepine or rifampin ) can lower the amount of Alyftrek in your body, making it less effective. Be Cautious with CYP3A inhibitors: CYP3A inhibitors (e.g. erythromycin or itraconazole ) can increase the levels of Alyftrek in the body, which may raise the risk of side effects. If you are taking one of these medicines, your health care provider may adjust your Alyftrek dose. Avoid grapefruit products: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also increase the amount of Alyftrek in the body, so it is best to avoid them while on this medicine. Alyftrek can also affect how other medicines work in your body. P-gp and BCRP substrates: Alyftrek may increase the levels of certain medicines that rely on P-gp (P-glycoprotein) and BCRP (breast cancer resistance protein) in the body. This could lead to stronger effects or more side effects from those medicines. Your health care provider may monitor you more closely if you are taking one of these medicines. CYP2C9 substrates (e.g., warfarin): Alyftrek may interfere with CYP2C9 substrates, such as warfarin , a blood thinner. If you take warfarin, your doctor may need to check your blood clotting levels more often. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using or have recently taken. This will help make sure your medicines work well together.