24 Medications for CF
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, but many medications and therapies are available to help patients maintain their health and live longer, more fulfilling lives. Treatment plans are uniquely tailored to each patient’s specific health characteristics and needs.
CFTR Modulators for Cystic Fibrosis
Patients with cystic fibrosis have mutations in the gene that provokes a malfunction of the CFTR protein. Patients usually suffer from a buildup of thick mucus, persistent lung infections, pancreatic damage, and complications in other parts of the body.
1. Ivacaftor (Kalydeco)
2. Ivacaftor / Lumacaftor (Orkambi)
In March, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued a draft guidance against recommending Orkambi (lumacaftor-ivacaftor) for treating cystic fibrosis (CF) since its cost is too high for the low benefits it brings.
Enzymes to Treat Cystic Fibrosis
According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), 87% of the patients with cystic fibrosis need to take enzymes. The supplements are taken in capsule form through the mouth so they can work in the intestines.
3. Pancrelipase (Cotazym, Cotazym-S, Creon, Dygase, Ku-Zyme, Ku-Zyme HP, Kutrase, Lapase, Lipram, Lipram UL, Palcaps 10, Pancrease MT, Pancreaze, Pancrecarb MS, Pangestyme CN 10, Pangestyme EC, Panocaps, Panocaps MT 16, Panokase, Pertzye, Ultrase, Viokace, Viokase, Zenpep)
4. Pancreatin (Hi-Vegi-Lip, Pan-2400, Pancreatin 4X)
Learn more about how to live with cystic fibrosis.
Mucolytics for Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Mucolytics is a category of cystic fibrosis medications. They are designed to help thin the mucus in the lungs so that patients can cough and expel mucus more easily.
5. Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)
6. Hypertonic saline
Antibiotics to Help Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Lung infections are particularly common among patients with cystic fibrosis. Antibiotics are used to fight or control infection-causing bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics are an important part of regular care for CF patients. There are oral antibiotics (liquids, tablets or capsules to be swallowed), intravenous antibiotics (liquid medicine administered directly into the blood through an IV catheter), and inhaled antibiotics (an aerosol or mist inhaled directly to the airways). The antibiotic drug, the dosage, and the time of treatment depend on the patient and infection, but the options include:
7. Tobramycin inhalation solution (TOBI, Bethkis)
8. Aztreonam for inhalation solution (Cayston, Azactam)
9. Tobramycin inhalation powder (TOBI Podhaler)
10. Azithromycin (Zithromax, Zmax)
11. Amikin (Amikacin)
12. Gentamicin (Garamycin)
Do you know what lungs and a tennis court have in common? Find out here!
Vitamins to Ease the Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms
Vitamins can help the bodies of patients with cystic fibrosis grow, function better, and fight infections.
13. Alpha E
14. Amino-Opti-E
15. Aqua Gem-E Aqua-E
16. Aquasol E
17. Aquavite-E
18. Centrum Singles-Vitamin E
19. E Pherol
20. E-400 Clear
21. E-600
22. E-Gems
23. Nutr-E-Sol
24. Vita-Plus E Natural
Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
