8 Trikafta Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Learn about the possible side effects of Trikafta, from common to rare, and how to manage them.
Trikafta
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.
What is Trikafta?
What is Trikafta used for?
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) in people 2 years and older with specific mutations
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.
When does Trikafta start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Trikafta |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | CFTR modulator |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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
- Headache (17%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (16%)
- Stomach pain (14%)
- Diarrhea (13%)
- Rash (10%)
- Higher liver enzyme levels (up to 10%)
- Stuffy nose (9%)
- Runny nose (8%)
- Flu-like symptoms (7%)
- Sinus infection (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Gas
- Bloating
- Pink eye
- Sore throat
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Dizziness
- Painful menstrual periods
- Acne
- Eczema
- Itching
- Low blood sugar
- Higher blood pressure
Trikafta 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:
H
D
W
M
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.
More on Trikafta side effects
The following Trikafta 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
- Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
Get your GoodRx coupon
N/A
GoodRx discount
$27274.31
Pros and cons of Trikafta
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
Cons
- Taken twice a day
- Need to take with high-fat meals, like whole milk, yogurt, or cheese
- Risk of liver damage
Pharmacist tips for Trikafta
- In general, you have a morning dose and an evening dose of Trikafta. Take them about 12 hours apart. Set a reminder on your phone to help you remember when to take your medication. Taking Trikafta on time helps it work the best it can for you.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trikafta dosage
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 packets of 80mg/40mg/60mg | 1 carton | $27,274.31 | $27,274.31 |
| 56 packets of 100mg/50mg/75mg | 1 carton | $27,274.31 | $27,274.31 |
Typical dosage 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)
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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.
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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
How much does Trikafta cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Trikafta (brand)
$27,274.31
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.
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