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Trikafta

elexacaftor / tezacaftor / ivacaftor
Used for Cystic Fibrosis
Used for Cystic Fibrosis

Trikafta is a combination medication containing elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor. It's used to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) in people 2 years and older. It's for those with specific gene mutations that cause problems with the CFTR protein. Trikafta works as a CFTR modulator to relieve some CF symptoms of CF. It comes as tablets and packets of oral granules for young children that are taken by mouth twice a day. Side effects include headache, stomach pain, and upper respiratory tract infections. As of mid-2025, there's no generic version available.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 9, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Trikafta?

What is Trikafta used for?

How Trikafta works

Trikafta is a combination of three medications. Together, they work as CFTR modulators. They act directly on a protein in the body called cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This helps the CFTR protein work better.

This is important for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) because they have genetic mutations that make the CFTR protein not work right. This causes problems in the body, like a buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs.

By helping CFTR proteins work properly, Trikafta helps relieve some symptoms of CF.

Note: There are many different gene mutations that can cause CF. Trikafta can only treat CF that's caused by specific mutations.

Are you looking for information on Kalydeco (ivacaftor), Symdeko (tezacaftor / ivacaftor), or Orkambi (lumacaftor / ivacaftor) instead?
When does Trikafta start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTrikafta
Drug ClassCFTR modulator
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Trikafta?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Liver damage: upper right-sided stomach pain, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, or mouth; swelling around the eyes; throat tightness; trouble breathing
When do Trikafta possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Risk of liver damage
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

More on Trikafta side effects

Health: Trikafta: side effects trikafta 2

8 Trikafta Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Change in vision
  • Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Trikafta

thumbs-up

Pros

Has three CF medications in one, so more convenient to take

Packaged as weekly "wallets" that tell you which tablet or packet you need to take and when

Okay for children as young as 2 to take

thumbs-down

Cons

Taken twice a day

Need to take with high-fat meals, like whole milk, yogurt, or cheese

Risk of liver damage

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Trikafta

pharmacist

  • Take Trikafta with a high-fat meal or snack, like avocado, eggs, or cheese. These types of foods help your body absorb the medication better.

    • Avoid foods or drinks with grapefruit while taking Trikafta. Grapefruit can raise the Trikafta levels in your body and raise your risk of side effects.

      • For the Trikafta tablets: Swallow the tablets whole. Don't chew, cut, or crush them.

        • For the Trikafta oral granule packets: Take the medication right before or after eating a high-fat meal or snack. Mix all the granules from the packet with 1 teaspoon of room-temperature soft food or liquid. You can use things like yogurt, applesauce, water, milk, or juice. Once mixed, give all of the medication within 1 hour.

          • Talk to your CF specialist and pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking Trikafta. Be sure to include over-the-counter medications and supplements. Trikafta can interact with some medications and change how well they work and how safe they are. Your care team can help make sure all your medications are safe to take together.

            What to do if you miss a dose of Trikafta:

            • If it's been 6 hours or less since you missed your morning or evening dose, take your usual dose as soon as possible. Afterwards, follow your dosing schedule as usual.

              • If it's been more than 6 hours since you missed your morning dose, take your usual morning dose as soon as possible. But don't take your evening dose. Continue with your usual dosing schedule the next day.

                • If it's been more than 6 hours since you missed your evening dose, don't take the medication to make up for it. Just wait until the next day to take your usual scheduled morning dose at the usual time.

                  • Don't take the morning and evening doses at the same time to make up for any missed doses.

                    More on Trikafta tips

                    Health: Trikafta: pharmacy tips trikafta

                    Should You Take Trikafta with Food? Plus, 5 Other Tips for Taking Trikafta

                    Written by Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA
                    trikafta: drug interaction trikafta

                    10 Trikafta Interactions and How to Manage Them

                    Written by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Trikafta

                    Does Trikafta cure cystic fibrosis?
                    No, Trikafta doesn't cure cystic fibrosis (CF). In fact, there's currently no cure for CF. But there are medications like Trikafta that help manage CF and help stop it from getting worse. Trikafta is made up of 3 CF medications: elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor. It works by helping abnormal CFTR proteins work properly again. This helps relieve certain symptoms of CF, like mucus buildup in the lungs. Studies showed that Trikafta helped improve lung function. Trikafta also improved symptoms like cough, mucus production, and trouble breathing.
                    How long does it take for Trikafta to work?
                    In a study, people 12 years and older who took Trikafta had improved lung function in as early as 2 weeks. They felt their symptoms get better after a month of treatment. This included cough, mucus production, and ability to breathe. Lung function and symptoms continued to improve and lasted for the rest of the study (another 5 months). Keep in mind that everyone has a different experience with Trikafta. So, this might be different for you. Talk to your CF specialist if you're not sure if Trikafta is working for you.
                    Can you drink alcohol while taking Trikafta?
                    Talk to your CF specialist about if you can drink alcohol while taking Trikafta. This medication isn't known to interact with alcohol directly. But drinking alcohol can make some symptoms of cystic fibrosis (CF) worse. For example, CF and a lot of alcohol can cause damage to similar parts of the body, like the liver, pancreas, and stomach. What's more, Trikafta also has a risk of causing liver damage. Be sure to tell your CF specialist if you drink alcohol regularly to see if Trikafta is safe for you. If it's hard for you to cut out alcohol completely, ask your care team about what to do and for resources to help you quit.
                    How long do side effects of Trikafta last?
                    There's not much information about how long common Trikafta side effects, like headache, stomach pain, and diarrhea, last. But your care team can help recommend ways to manage them. Stay hydrated to help with headache and to manage any diarrhea. If needed, ask your care team about over-the-counter pain killers or antidiarrheals that might be right for you. They can also guide you to ways to relieve upper respiratory infections like a cold at home. Talk to your care team if you have any side effects from Trikafta and they start to bother you.
                    Does Trikafta cause depression?
                    It's not clear how Trikafta affects mood. People with CF already have a higher chance of depression or anxiety. There have been studies looking at how Trikafta might affect mood, but results are mixed. One study has suggested that Trikafta might affect people's mental health. Another study found that it made mental health problems worse for a small group of people. Changes could be managed with appropriate medications or a lower Trikafta dose, though. But one other small study found that Trikafta might improve depression in some people. Talk to your CF specialist if you're worried about how Trikafta might affect your mental health.
                    Does Trikafta cause weight gain?
                    It isn't clear if Trikafta causes weight gain because there isn't enough information. There are some reports of children and young adults who gained weight while taking Trikafta. After taking the medication for 3 months, they gained an average of 5.5 lbs from their weight 2 years earlier. This weight gain was made up of a gain in fat and lean body mass. It could possibly be linked to symptom improvement from treatment. The proportion of fat and muscles in your body can affect cystic fibrosis. So it's important to talk to your care team about what you might expect after starting Trikafta.
                    Does Trikafta increase life expectancy?
                    Maybe. Researchers from one study predicted that Trikafta can increase life expectancy. The study reported a median projected survival of 82.5 years for people who start Trikafta between the ages of 12 and 17. This is about double the lifetime of people who use only supportive care for cystic fibrosis. Remember, these are predictions. So speak to your cystic fibrosis specialist about what Trikafta can do for you.
                    What are some examples of food high in fat that I should take with Trikafta?
                    Toast or bagels with butter on top, peanut butter, eggs, and avocados are good examples of healthy foods that are high in fat. Other examples include whole-milk dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. These high-fat foods will help your body absorb Trikafta better. You won't get as much medication in your system if you take it on an empty stomach or with a low-fat meal. Talk to your care team if you need help finding high-fat foods to take with Trikafta.
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                    warings-icon

                    What are the risks and warnings for Trikafta?

                    Trikafta can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Liver damage

                    • Risk factors: History of liver problems


                      Trikafta can sometimes cause higher liver enzyme levels. This can be a sign of liver damage. In some cases, liver damage can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Liver damage has happened within the first month and up to a year and a half after starting Trikafta.

                      Before starting Trikafta, tell your CF specialist if you have a history of liver problems. It's usually not recommended if you have moderate or severe liver problems. Your CF specialist will help you understand the risks and benefits. They'll help you decide if you should start Trikafta or not.

                      Your CF specialist will check your liver with blood tests before you start Trikafta. Then, you'll need these blood tests every month for the first 6 months, then every 3 months for the next year. After that, you'll need to get tested at least every year. If you have a history of liver problems, you might need blood tests more often.

                      If your blood tests show liver problems or if you have signs of liver damage, you'll need to stop Trikafta until you feel better. Watch for signs like stomach pain, dark urine, pale stools, or yellow skin or eyes. If this happens, get medical help right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis

                      Some people have had allergic reactions to Trikafta. They can sometimes be very serious. Signs can include swelling of the face or lips, tight feeling in the throat, and trouble breathing. Other signs of anaphylaxis are possible as well. If this happens, get medical help right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Interactions with other medications

                      Trikafta can interact with other medications. These drug interactions can change the amount of Trikafta in your body. This affects how well it works and the risk of side effects. Trikafta can affect some medications as well.

                      Some medications, like carbamazepine (Tegretol) and St. John's wort, can lower the amount of Trikafta in your body. This can make Trikafta work less well. Other medications, like amiodarone (Pacerone) and clarithromycin, can raise Trikafta levels. This can put you at risk of side effects.

                      Tell your CF specialist and pharmacist about all the medications and supplements you take or plan to take. Also let them know if you change the way to take any of your medications. They can help make sure everything is safe and adjust doses if needed.

                      risk-warning

                      Cataracts in children

                      • Risk factors: Taking steroids | Exposure to radiation

                        Some children who took ivacaftor, one of the medications in Trikafta, got cataracts. Some had other risk factors, like taking steroids or getting exposed to radiation. It's recommended for your child to get an eye exam before starting Trikafta. They should also have regular eye check-ups while taking the medication.

                        dosage

                        Trikafta dosage forms

                        Typical dosing for Trikafta

                        Your CF specialist will find the dose for you based on your body weight and age. Trikafta comes as prepackaged blister cards with the exact doses you need.

                        In general, you have a morning dose and an evening dose that you take about 12 hours apart. Take the medication with a high-fat meal or snack.

                        • People 12 years and older

                          • Morning dose: Each morning tablet contains elexacaftor 100 mg, tezacaftor 50 mg, and ivacaftor 75 mg. The typical dose is 2 morning tablets by mouth every morning.

                          • Evening dose: Each evening tablet contains ivacaftor 150 mg. The typical dose is 1 evening tablet by mouth every night.

                        • Children ages 6 to less than 12 years old

                          • Weighing 66 lbs or more: Follow the dosing for people 12 years and older.

                          • Weighing less than 66 lbs:

                            • Morning dose: Each morning tablet contains elexacaftor 50 mg, tezacaftor 25 mg, and ivacaftor 37.5 mg. The typical dose is 2 morning tablets by mouth every morning.

                            • Evening dose: Each evening tablet contains ivacaftor 75 mg. The typical dose is 1 evening tablet by mouth every night.

                        • Children ages 2 to less than 6 years old (use the oral granule packets)

                          • Weighing 31 lbs or more:

                            • Morning dose: Each morning packet contains elexacaftor 100 mg, tezacaftor 50 mg, and ivacaftor 75 mg. The typical dose is 1 morning packet of granules every morning. Dissolve the granules with 1 teaspoon of soft food and then take by mouth.

                            • Evening dose: Each evening packet contains ivacaftor 75 mg. The typical dose is 1 evening packet of granules every night. Dissolve the granules with 1 teaspoon of soft food and then take by mouth.

                          • Weighing less than 31 lbs:

                            • Morning dose: Each morning packet contains elexacaftor 80 mg, tezacaftor 40 mg, and ivacaftor 60 mg. The typical dose is 1 morning packet of granules every morning. Dissolve the granules with 1 teaspoon of soft food and then take by mouth.

                            • Evening dose: Each evening packet contains ivacaftor 59.5 mg. The typical dose is 1 evening packet of granules every night. Dissolve the granules with 1 teaspoon of soft food and then take by mouth.

                        Your dose might be different depending on the other medications you take. It also might be different if you have liver problems.

                        More on Trikafta dosage forms

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                        What are alternatives to Trikafta?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Trikafta. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Trikafta
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                        Blue V 150 - Trikafta 100mg-50mg-75mg / 150mg Tablet
                        This medicine is Blue Carton Imprinted With "V 150".Blue V 150 - Trikafta 100mg-50mg-75mg / 150mg Tablet

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        American Lung Association. (2024). Treating and managing cystic fibrosis.

                        Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (n.d.). Basics of the CFTR protein.

                        Gur, M., et al. (2023). Effect of Trikafta on bone density, body composition and exercise capacity in CF: A pilot study. Pediatric Pulmonology.

                        View All References (15)

                        Guta M. T., et al. (2021). Global burden of anxiety and depression among cystic fibrosis patient: Systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Chronic Diseases.

                        Hudson, B. N., et al. (2022). Drug-induced acne with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in people with cystic fibrosis. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis.

                        Lopez, A., et al. (2023). Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor projected survival and long-term health outcomes in people with cystic fibrosis homozygous for F508del. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis.

                        Middleton, P. G., et al. (2020). Elexacaftor–tezacaftor–ivacaftor for cystic fibrosis with a single Phe508del allele. The New England Journal of Medicine.

                        National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. (2024). Cystic fibrosis: Symptoms.

                        National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. (2024). Cystic fibrosis: Treatment.

                        Piehler, L., et al. (2023). Effects of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy on mental health of patients with cystic fibrosis. Frontiers in Pharmacology.

                        Soltman, S., et al. (2021). Body composition in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology.

                        Spoletini, G., et al. (2022). Dose adjustments of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in response to mental health side effects in adults with cystic fibrosis. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis.

                        Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. (n.d.). Who Trikafta® is for?

                        Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. (n.d.). How to take Trikafta®.

                        Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. (n.d.). Looking for fat-containing food ideas?

                        Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. (2025). Trikafta- elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Zaher, A., et al. (2021). A review of Trikafta: Triple cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy. Cureus.

                        Zhang, L., et al. (2022). Impact of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on depression and anxiety in cystic fibrosis. Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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