Pulmozyme

Generic name: Dornase Alfa (inhalation)
Drug class: Miscellaneous respiratory agents

Usage of Pulmozyme

Pulmozyme is a synthetic protein that breaks down excess DNA in the pulmonary secretions of people with cystic fibrosis.

Pulmozyme is used in people with cystic fibrosis to thin mucus in the airways. This may help improve lung function and lower the risk of infections.

Pulmozyme is an inhalation solution and is administerd using a nebulizer, a device that turns liquid medicine into a mist.

Pulmozyme side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Pulmozyme: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have worsened breathing problems, or if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

chest pain; or

fever.

Common Pulmozyme side effects may include:

sore throat;

chest pain, trouble breathing;

changes in the sound of your voice;

nasal stuffiness or discharge;

rash;

eye redness, irritation, or inflammation; or

fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Pulmozyme

You should not use Pulmozyme if you are allergic to dornase alfa or other Chinese Hamster Ovary cell products.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Pulmozyme

Usual Adult Dose for Cystic Fibrosis:

2.5 mg (1 single-use ampule) inhaled orally once daily using a recommended nebulizer/compressor system Comment: -Some patients may benefit from twice daily administration. Use: -Coadministration with standard therapies for the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to improve pulmonary function -To reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections requiring parenteral antibiotics in CF patients with a Force Vital Capacity (FVC) of 40% or more

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cystic Fibrosis:

5 years or older: 2.5 mg (1 single-use ampule) inhaled orally once daily using a recommended nebulizer/compressor system Comment: -Some patients may benefit from twice daily administration. Uses: -Coadministration with standard therapies for the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to improve pulmonary function -To reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections requiring parenteral antibiotics in CF patients with a Force Vital Capacity (FVC) of 40% or more

Warnings

Do not dilute or mix the Pulmozyme inhalation solution with any other drugs in the nebulizer. Mixing the solution with other drugs could lead to changes in the actions of the medications.

Ampules of Pulmozyme do not contain a preservative. Once opened, the entire contents of the ampule must be used or discarded.

Pulmozyme must be stored in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius) and protected from strong light. Keep unused ampules in the protective foil pouch. Pulmozyme should be kept refrigerated during transport. Combined lengths of exposure of the medication to room temperature should not exceed 24 hours.

What other drugs will affect Pulmozyme

Other drugs may interact with dornase alfa, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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