How Do CFTR Correctors Work?
How Do CFTR Correctors Work?
CFTR correctors are medications prescribed to treat cystic fibrosis, an inherited genetic disorder that can affect many organs including the lungs. People with cystic fibrosis have mutations in the CFTR gene that encodes CFTR protein, which leads to dysfunctional CFTR protein. CFTR correctors correct the way CFTR protein works.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein maintains the balance of salt and water on many surfaces of the body. CFTR protein is an ion channel that is shaped like a tunnel, with a gate through which chloride ions flow out of the cells, attract water and maintain the right consistency of mucus and other fluids in the body.
Faulty functioning of CFTR protein prevents free movement of chloride ions to the surface and out through the channel gate, which makes the mucus that coats the lungs and other organs thick and sticky. Thick mucus in the lungs clogs up airways and traps germs leading to persistent lung infections, inflammations and lung damage.
CFTR correctors help the CFTR protein form the right shape to facilitate the free movement of chloride ions to the cell surface. CFTR correctors are combined with CFTR potentiators, another class of CFTR medications, which hold the channel’s gate open to allow the free flow of chloride ions.
The combination of CFTR correctors and potentiators makes the mucus thinner and slippery, prevents clogging of airways, and eases the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. In addition, new CFTR modulating medications known as CFTR amplifiers which can increase the production of CFTR protein are being developed.
What Are Side Effects of CFTR Correctors?
Side effects of CFTR correctors may include the following:
- Headache
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nasal passage and throat)
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus congestion
- Rhinorrhea (nasal discharge)
- Rhinitis (nasal inflammation)
- Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
- Pharyngitis (throat inflammation)
- Abnormal respiration
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Abdominal distension
- Increase in blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels
- Increase in liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels
- Increase in C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels)
- Increase in bilirubin
- Hepatic encephalopathy (brain damage caused by toxin buildup due to severe liver disease)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Menstrual abnormalities
- Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
- Urinary tract infection
- Influenza
- Rash
- Acne
- Eczema
- Pruritus (itching)
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane on the whites of the eyes and the inner surface of eyelids)
- Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)
Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.