Test your CAYSTON IQ
Question 1/6
CAYSTON is indicated to improve breathing symptoms in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) with a lung infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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CAYSTON is an inhaled antibiotic that is used to improve breathing symptoms in people with CF who have a lung infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.1 CAYSTON decreases the number of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria living in the lungs and may help improve breathing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and mucus production. In other words, CAYSTON may help you breathe better.2

“This one is hard for me to forget, since I remember I started on CAYSTON after I had cultured positive for chronic Pseudomonas.” – Marco, Living with CF
1. CAYSTON. Prescribing information. Gilead Sciences; 2019. 2. Retsch-Bogart GZ, Quittner AL, Gibson RL, et al. Efficacy and safety of inhaled aztreonam lysine for airway pseudomonas in cystic fibrosis. Chest. 2009;135(5):1223-1232.
Question 2/6
CAYSTON needs to be stored in the refrigerator at all times.
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CAYSTON must be stored in the refrigerator (36 °F to 46 °F) until you need it. Once you start your 28-day course of therapy, both CAYSTON and the saline you use to mix it can be stored at room temperature (less than 77 °F) for up to 28 days. Do not use any CAYSTON that has been stored at room temperature for more than 28 days.1

“I just learned this one! CAYSTON can be stored at room temperature (less than 77 °F) for up to 28 days.” - Emily, Living with CF
1. CAYSTON. Prescribing information. Gilead Sciences; 2019.
Question 3/6
At the end of every treatment day, the ALTERA® handset can be disinfected either with boiling distilled water or a chemical disinfectant.
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At the end of every treatment day, disinfect the ALTERA Nebulizer Handset by boiling it in distilled water for a full 5 minutes, or using a commercially available medical device disinfectant such as Control III®. Follow the disinfectant manufacturer's instructions for use that came with your ALTERA Nebulizer System.1

“I wasn’t sure about this one, but I do know you should never boil in regular tap water, as it may damage the aerosol head.” - Brian, Living with CF
1. ALTERA Nebulizer System Instructions for Use. PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc.; 2010.
Question 4/6
You can use your ALTERA® nebulizer with any of your other medicines that need a nebulizer.
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Your ALTERA nebulizer should never be used to nebulize any other medications as you may damage it. You should also never use a different nebulizer to take your CAYSTON because you may not get the right dose of CAYSTON that you need. Do not mix CAYSTON with any other medicines in your ALTERA nebulizer.1

“The correct answer is false; you should only use your ALTERA for your CAYSTON.” – Kat, mom of son with CF
1. ALTERA Nebulizer System Instructions for Use. PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc.; 2010.
Question 5/6
If you miss a dose, you can still take all three doses during the day as long as they are all at least 4 hours apart.
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CAYSTON can be taken at any time of the day as long as they are at least 4 hours between doses.1 That means, if you miss a dose, it’s likely that you can still fit it in.

“My first instinct is to panic when I think I’ve missed a dose, but then I just work out the schedule and realize I can still fit all three of my doses in!” – Chris, Living with CF
1. CAYSTON. Prescribing information. Gilead Sciences; 2019.
Question 6/6
The most common side effects of CAYSTON are a bad taste in your mouth and ringing in your ears.
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The most common side effects of CAYSTON include1:
- cough
- nasal congestion
- wheezing
- sore throat
- fever, which may be more common in children than in adults
- chest discomfort
- vomiting
- stomach area (abdominal) pain
Other possible side effects of CAYSTON include swelling or pain in joints. These are not all the possible side effects of CAYSTON.

“If you experience side effects, you should talk to your doctor. They can help.” - Brian, Living with CF
1. CAYSTON. Prescribing information. Gilead Sciences; 2019.