Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Kalydeco.  It can help in the treatment of cystic fibrosis or 'CF' by improving your breathing and reducing symptoms of 'CF' like coughing, difficulty breathing and mucus production.

Kalydeco is usually taken twice daily.  You should space your dose about 12 hours apart and take them with fat-containing foods, like eggs, peanut butter, cheese pizza, or dairy products.  You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. This medicine comes in either tablets or granules.  The granules should be poured into 1 teaspoon of soft food or liquid.  After mixing with the food or liquid, make sure all the medicine is taken within 1 hour. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well.  Common side effects include headache, nausea, and sinus congestion.  These are normal if they are mild and should go away.  You may also feel dizzy.  You should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before doing activities that require you to be alert, like driving.

As with any medicine, more serious side effects can occur. With Kalydeco, this includes problems with your liver or eyes.  You should read the Patient Information sheet to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report them.  To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely.

Drug interactions can occur. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any other medicines, even if they do not require a prescription. You should not eat grapefruit or Seville oranges, and do not drink their fruit juices.

Women should talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

For best results, you should plan ahead for refills.  Also, work closely with your doctor and ask about available support services for people living with CF.