DORNASE ALFA SOLUTION - INHALATION
Common Brand Name(s): Pulmozyme
Phonetic Pronunciation: (DOOR-naze AL-fa)
Information last revised May 2010
What does DEOXYRIBONUCLEASE-INH look like?
Pulmozyme 1 mg/mL Soln for Inhalation
Uses:
This medication is used to improve breathing and reduce the risk of lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. It is used along with other treatments for this disease (e.g., chest physical therapy, medications, nutritional supplements). Dornase alfa is the same as a substance (DNase I enzyme) that is naturally produced by the body. It works in the airways by decreasing stickiness/thickness of mucus so that it can be cleared from the lungs more easily.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
This medication is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing equipment, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. A health care professional will show you the proper way to prepare the medication and use the equipment. If you are unclear about any of the instructions, ask your health care professional. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more frequently than prescribed. Your condition will not improve faster and the risk for side effects may be increased. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
Before using dornase alfa, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Sore/dry throat and hoarseness may occur. Eye redness/irritation may also infrequently occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: chest pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, unusual trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
