uses
What is Pulmozyme used for?Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) is commonly used for cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition where thick mucus builds up in your lungs and other organs. Pulmozyme may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does Pulmozyme work (mechanism of action)?In people with cystic fibrosis, thick mucus builds up in the lungs. This makes it hard to breathe and raises the risk of infection. When white blood cells travel to the mucus in your lungs to help fight infection, their DNA stays behind after they die. This makes the mucus even thicker. Pulmozyme works by breaking down the DNA in mucus. This makes the mucus thinner and easier to clear from your lungs.How is Pulmozyme supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesPulmozymeDosage forms and strengths2.5 mg/2.5 mL (1 mg/mL) ampules of inhalation solutionHow should I store Pulmozyme?Pulmozyme should be stored in the refrigerator, at temperatures between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Protect the medicine from light by keeping it in its foil pouch. Do not use Pulmozyme that has been exposed to temperatures between 72 F and 82 F (22 C and 28 C) for more than 60 hours total.Â
how to use
liquid that is inhaled
drug interactions
Does Pulmozyme interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Pulmozyme and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Pulmozyme.Does Pulmozyme interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?There are no known interactions between Pulmozyme and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Pulmozyme?The most common side effects of Pulmozyme are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Voice changesSore throatRashLosing your voice (laryngitis)Chest painPink eyeRunny noseDecrease in how much air you can breathe out after taking a deep breath FeverShortness of breathThere may be other side effects of Pulmozyme that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Pulmozyme?While less common, the most serious side effects of Pulmozyme are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Pulmozyme may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Pulmozyme and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching or skin rashBumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin toneNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint pain
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Pulmozyme?If you or someone else has used too much Pulmozyme, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Pulmozyme?If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Pulmozyme?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Pulmozyme.Dornase alfaPulmozymeAny other products made using Chinese hamster ovary cellsAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Pulmozyme products they stock.What should I know about Pulmozyme before using it?Do not use Pulmozyme unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share Pulmozyme with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep Pulmozyme out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.Pulmozyme is inhaled using a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a small machine that turns a liquid medicine into a mist that you inhale through a mouthpiece. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Pulmozyme. Follow the instructions that come with this medicine, and talk to your health care provider if you have any questions about how to use it. If you use other nebulizer medicines, you should not mix them with Pulmozyme in the nebulizer. Pulmozyme comes as a liquid in small plastic containers (ampules). Squeeze each ampule before you open it to check for leaks. Do not use Pulmozyme if it is leaking, looks cloudy, or has an unusual color. After an ampule is opened, use the medicine as prescribed. Then, throw away the container. Do not save any leftover medicine.What should I tell my health care provider before using Pulmozyme?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Pulmozyme is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Pulmozyme could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if Pulmozyme passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Pulmozyme while breastfeeding.How can I get more information about Pulmozyme?For more information about Pulmozyme, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.pulmozyme.com or call them at 800-551-2231.
about
Pulmozyme is an inhaled medicine for cystic fibrosis. It makes the mucus in your lungs thinner and easier to clear, which can help you breathe better. The most common side effects are voice changes, a sore throat, and rashes. It does not usually cause serious side effects. If you use other nebulizer medicines, you should not mix them with Pulmozyme in the nebulizer.Â