24 Cystic Fibrosis Medications You Should Know About

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening, genetic disease that affects patients’ ability to breathe and causes persistent lung infections. There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, but there are treatments designed to help patients maintain their health and have longer, more fulfilling lives. There are cystic fibrosis medications approved for patients with the disease, but treatment plans are unique and tailored to each patient’s specific health characteristics and needs. The range of cystic fibrosis medications includes CFTR modulators, enzyme supplements, mucolytics, antibiotics, and vitamins.

CFTR Modulators for Cystic Fibrosis

CFTR modulators are the main course of treatment for cystic fibrosis and include:

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In March, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued a draft guidance against recommending Orkambi (lumacaftor-ivacaftor) for treating cystic fibrosis (CF) since its cost is too high for the low benefits it brings.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

Enzymes help patients digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats, gain and maintain a healthy weight, and absorb essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Enzymes for patients with cystic fibrosis include:

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)

Here are 10 Cystic Fibrosis Channels You Must Follow

Mucolytics for Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

By getting the mucus out of the lungs, the damage caused by chronic lung infections is delayed. The class of mucolytic medications include:

5. Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)

6. Hypertonic saline

Who doesn’t remember the British musical prodigy with cystic fibrosis who was the star of the Channel 4 “Cutting Edge” 2008 documentary “A Boy Called Alex”?

Antibiotics to Help Cystic Fibrosis Patients

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)

Did you know that children and women are faster breathers than men as their breathing rate is higher? Learn other curious facts about the lungs here.

Vitamins to Ease the Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms

Vitamins can help the bodies of patients with cystic fibrosis to grow, function better, and fight infections.

13. Alpha E

14. Amino-Opti-E

15. Aqua Gem-EAqua-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

Recently, a study found that individuals carrying the mutated gene for cystic fibrosis (CF) show an increased risk for asthma, in particular, CF carriers from Asian countries. 

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.