Cystic Fibrosis: Medications, Management, and What You Need to Know

When someone has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. Also known as CF, it’s not just a lung disease—it affects the pancreas, liver, and sinuses too. Kids born with it often struggle to breathe, digest food, or gain weight, even when eating well. The root problem? A faulty gene called CFTR that messes up salt and water flow in cells. Without proper treatment, that mucus clogs airways, invites infections, and slowly damages organs.

Today, CFTR modulators, a new class of drugs that fix the broken protein at the source. Also known as precision therapies, they’ve changed everything for many patients. Drugs like Trikafta and Kalydeco don’t just mask symptoms—they help the body make better mucus. But they’re not for everyone. The right one depends on your specific gene mutation. And even with these breakthroughs, most people still need daily chest physiotherapy, inhaled antibiotics, and enzyme pills to digest food. It’s a full-time job managing CF, but life expectancy has jumped from teens in the 1980s to over 50 today.

Many of the posts here tackle real-world issues tied to living with cystic fibrosis. You’ll find advice on medication adherence—because skipping doses can lead to lung damage. There’s help with cost barriers to expensive CF drugs, and how to find free programs. You’ll also see how generic drugs compare to brand-name ones in effectiveness, and why some patients doubt their quality even when science says they’re just as good. Other posts cover drug interactions—like how St. John’s Wort can mess with CF medications—or how to safely give pills through feeding tubes if digestion is a problem. You’ll learn how to avoid dangerous mix-ups with antacids and antibiotics, and why timing iron supplements matters if you’re also on thyroid meds.

There’s no cure yet, but the tools to live well with cystic fibrosis have never been better. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just trying to understand, the posts below give you the straight facts on what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the most out of your treatment plan.