Half of children taking 'miracle' cystic fibrosis drugs may be struck by severe mood changes, study reveals By Barney Calman Published: 01:00 BST, 7 July 2024 | Updated: 01:06 BST, 7 July 2024 e-mail View comments A cystic fibrosis drug dubbed 'the holy grail' by doctors may trigger mood changes, behavioural problems, insomnia and talk of suicide in children as young as three, disturbing research has revealed. The medicine, Kaftrio, which was approved for a full NHS roll-out last month, eases the worst symptoms of the genetic disease and is expected to dramatically improve life expectancy. But a new study, published last week in The Lancet, gives clear indication the drug can affect mental health.
Researchers gave doses of the medication to 197 children aged two to five. After one month, 93 of them – 47 per cent – were reported to have sudden, abnormal changes in behaviour. A third developed attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ), which leads to poor concentration, irritability and impulsive behaviour.
Others became aggressive. One in ten developed 'abnormal sadness' and one had suicidal thoughts. These changes persisted in 58 of the 93 children and stopping treatment led to an 'immediate recovery in symptoms'.
A cystic fibrosis drug dubbed 'the holy grail' by doctors may trigger mood changes, behavioural problems, insomnia and talk of suicide in children as young as three, disturbing research has revealed (stock image) It is unclear why the drug might cause me.
