Exercise no. 324 Caftors: liver function abnormalities and possibly cataracts in breastfed infants

The caftors ivacaftor, tezacaftor, lumacaftor and elexacaftor are CFTR modulators, often taken in combination. Mutations in the gene that encodes CFTR are responsible for cystic fibrosis. Children who are breastfed by women taking caftors are exposed, via breast milk, to the adverse effects shared by these drugs, mainly: upper respiratory tract infections, bronchospasm; rash; liver injury; muscle disorders; hypertension; and mental health disorders. Lens opacities have been observed in children and adolescents exposed to caftors. Our literature search in mid-2025 identified reports of liver function abnormalities and cataracts reported in a total of 10 breastfed infants whose mothers were taking caftors.