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Roflumilast Coupon - Roflumilast 500mcg tablet

roflumilast

Generic Daliresp
Used for COPD
Used for COPD

Roflumilast (Daliresp) is an oral medication that's used as maintenance treatment in people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It helps lower the risk for COPD flare-ups. This medication belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors. Roflumilast (Daliresp) is a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss. This medication has a brand-name and generic version available.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 4, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Roflumilast (Daliresp)?

What is Roflumilast (Daliresp) used for?

  • Maintenance treatment for severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

How Roflumilast (Daliresp) works

Roflumilast (Daliresp) is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor. It blocks PDE-4, a protein in your body that's involved in causing inflammation in the lungs and making it difficult for you to breathe. By blocking PDE-4, roflumilast (Daliresp) lessens inflammation and opens up your airways to help you breathe better.

Are you looking for information on Zoryve (roflumilast) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDaliresp
Drug ClassPDE-4 inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$363.510
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$363.51
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What are the side effects of Roflumilast (Daliresp)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea (10%)
  • Weight loss (8%)
  • Nausea (5%)
  • Headache (4%)

Other Side Effects

  • Back pain
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Upset stomach
  • Runny nose
  • Sinus inflammation
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Muscle spasm
  • Tremor
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Unexplained weight loss

Less common

Chills

cough

diarrhea

discouragement

fear or nervousness

feeling sad or empty

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

irritability

joint pain

loss of appetite

loss of interest or pleasure

muscle aches and pains

nausea

runny nose

shivering

sleeplessness

sore throat

sweating

thoughts of killing oneself or changes in behavior

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

unable to sleep

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

back pain

bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

burning feeling in the chest or stomach

decreased appetite

difficult, burning, or painful urination

dizziness

frequent urge to urinate

indigestion

lower back or side pain

muscle spasm

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

shortness of breath or troubled breathing

sneezing

stomach upset

stuffy or runny nose

sweating

tenderness in the stomach area

tightness of the chest or wheezing

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Roflumilast (Daliresp)

thumbs-up

Pros

Lowers your risk of future COPD flare-ups, so you're less likely to have to go to the hospital

Possible option for people who are already using triple inhaler therapy and are still having COPD flare-ups

Taken by mouth once a day

thumbs-down

Cons

Only available as a tablet that can't be split or crushed

Might cause trouble sleeping and mood or behavior changes (e.g., anxiety, depression)

Not recommended for people for moderate or severe liver problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Roflumilast (Daliresp)

pharmacist

  • Take roflumilast (Daliresp) as prescribed once per day, regardless of what other COPD inhalers you're using. Roflumilast (Daliresp) helps lower the risk of having more COPD flare-ups in the long run.

    • Take roflumilast (Daliresp) at any time of day with or without food. It might be helpful to take it with food to help prevent or ease possible diarrhea or nausea from the medication.

      • Use your rescue inhaler to relieve any sudden trouble breathing. Roflumilast (Daliresp) isn't meant to be used to quickly relieve symptoms of a COPD flare-up.

        • Call your prescriber or pulmonologist if your breathing or peak flow rate worsens. Also contact your prescriber if you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual. These could be signs that you need more help to manage your COPD.

          • It's possible for roflumilast (Daliresp) to cause insomnia (trouble sleeping). If you have trouble sleeping while you're taking the medication, some things you can try to help include taking it earlier during the day and avoiding screen time late at night. You can also talk to your prescriber for other ways to manage this side effect.

            • Make sure to eat regularly and follow a nutritious diet while you're taking roflumilast (Daliresp). This medication might lower your appetite and cause weight loss. Check your weight every so often and contact your prescriber if you're noticing concerning weight loss.

              • Although rare, some people might have depression or anxiety after they start taking roflumilast (Daliresp). Let your prescriber know if you start feeling depressed or anxious or have concerning changes in mood or behavior while you're taking this medication. All call 911 or get medical help right away if you're having thoughts of harming yourself.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Roflumilast (Daliresp)

                How long does it take for roflumilast (Daliresp) to start working?
                It's not completely clear how long it takes roflumilast (Daliresp) to start working. Keep in mind that you start roflumilast (Daliresp) at a lower, less effective dose for the first 4 weeks to help your body get used to the medication before you take the usual recommended dose of 500 mcg. Clinical studies showed that roflumilast (Daliresp) at a dose of 500 mcg works to improve lung function within 6 months. As for preventing COPD exacerbations or flare-ups, you'll probably need to take roflumilast (Daliresp) for a longer period of time to get a better idea about how well the medication helps lower the risk for COPD flare-ups for you.
                What happens if you stop taking roflumilast (Daliresp)?
                If you stop taking roflumilast (Daliresp), your lungs might become more inflamed, putting you at higher risk for COPD flare-ups (or exacerbations) that might require hospitalization. You might need to use your rescue inhaler more often to treat sudden episodes of difficulty breathing. The purpose of taking roflumilast (Daliresp) is to help you have fewer COPD flare-ups. This hopefully means that you won't end up going to the hospital as often for serious complications of COPD. This is why it's important to take roflumilast (Daliresp) exactly as prescribed and to talk to your prescriber first if you're interested in stopping the medication.
                How well does roflumilast (Daliresp) work?
                Studies show that roflumilast (Daliresp), taken along other COPD therapy for a year, lowered the risk for moderate or severe COPD exacerbations by about 15% for people who had severe COPD, related chronic bronchitis, and a history of exacerbations. In addition, other studies show that people who take roflumilast (Daliresp) have a better quality of life and improved lung function than those who don't take roflumilast (Daliresp). Follow up with your prescriber about how well you think roflumilast (Daliresp) is working to manage your COPD. Contact your prescriber if you have concerns about how well the medication is working for you.
                How long do side effects of roflumilast (Daliresp) last?
                Some side effects of roflumilast (Daliresp), such as nausea, diarrhea, and headache, typically get better over time as you continue to take the medication. In studies, these side effects went away within a few weeks. But possible weight loss can last for several weeks. To help your body get used to the medication so side effects aren't too bothersome, you generally start roflumilast (Daliresp) at a lower dose for 4 weeks before you move up to the usual maintenance dose of 500 mcg per day. Contact your prescriber if any side effects from roflumilast (Daliresp) are too bothersome for you.
                How long do you take roflumilast (Daliresp)?
                There isn't a set amount of time that you need to take roflumilast (Daliresp) for. It's a maintenance medication that's recommended for people who are already using triple therapy and are still having COPD flare-ups. This means that you'll probably continue to take roflumilast (Daliresp) as long as it's helping to prevent COPD flare-ups and as long as you're not having significant side effects from the medication. Ask your prescriber if you have any questions about how long you'll need to take roflumilast (Daliresp).
                Is roflumilast (Daliresp) a steroid?
                No, roflumilast (Daliresp) isn't a steroid. Roflumilast (Daliresp) belongs to a drug class called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors. Steroids and PDE-4 inhibitors work differently to lessen inflammation in the lungs and help with COPD. In addition, steroids and PDE-4 inhibitors sometimes have different roles in COPD treatment. Some combination COPD inhalers contain a steroid in it to help manage COPD in the long run, similar to what roflumilast (Daliresp) is used for. But oral steroids, such as prednisone, are used short term to treat COPD flare-ups.
                How long does roflumilast (Daliresp) stay in your system?
                It takes about 6 days for most of the active ingredient in roflumilast (Daliresp) to leave your body after a single dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of roflumilast (Daliresp). The half-life is a measure of the time it takes for the medication to leave the body. Even though roflumilast (Daliresp) can stay in your system for up to 6 days, it's important that you take the medication every day to keep the amount in your body high enough for it to work well. Speak with your prescriber if you're concerned about how long the medication stays in your system.
                Can roflumilast (Daliresp) be crushed or cut in half?
                It's not entirely clear whether roflumilast (Daliresp) tablets can be crushed or cut in half because the manufacturer of the medication doesn't specify. To be safe, it's best to not crush the tablets. You also shouldn't cut the tablets in half because they don't have a score line (indented line down the middle of the tablet). So trying to cut it evenly and safely probably won't be easy. Contact your prescriber if you're having trouble swallowing roflumilast (Daliresp) tablets whole.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Roflumilast (Daliresp)?

                Roflumilast (Daliresp) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Not for relieving sudden worsening COPD symptoms

                Roflumilast (Daliresp) isn't a rescue medication and won't help to treat a COPD exacerbation (when COPD symptoms suddenly get worse, also called a flare-up). It's recommended that you use your rescue inhaler to quickly help you breathe in these situations.

                Talk with your prescriber if roflumilast (Daliresp) isn't working well to control your COPD and you're experiencing worsening symptoms, such as coughing and trouble breathing. They can discuss with you about your options to manage your COPD better.

                risk-warning

                Changes in mood or behavior, including possible suicidal thoughts or behavior

                • Risk factors: History of mental health problems

                  Roflumilast (Daliresp) can raise the risk for changes in mood or behavior, including trouble sleeping, anxiety, and depression. Although rare, some people also had suicidal thoughts or behaviors while they were taking this medication.

                  Talk to your prescriber before you start roflumilast (Daliresp) if you have a history of having depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health problems. Your prescriber will discuss with you about the risks and benefits of taking the medication.

                  It's a good idea to remind your friends and family to look out for you in case you have changes in mood or thoughts while you're taking roflumilast (Daliresp). Contact your prescriber if you start to have unusual changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors. And call 911 or seek medical attention right away if you're having thoughts of hurting yourself.

                  risk-warning

                  Weight loss

                  Weight loss is a common side effect of roflumilast (Daliresp). In clinical studies, some people lost between 5% to 10% (or even more) of their body weight after they took the medication for a year. Most people gained back this weight after they stopped taking roflumilast (Daliresp).

                  Make sure to follow a balanced and nutritious diet while you're taking roflumilast (Daliresp). It's recommended that you periodically monitor your weight. Let your prescriber know if you experience significant weight loss that's not due to changes in your diet or exercise routine. You might need to stop taking roflumilast (Daliresp).

                  risk-warning

                  Interactions with other medications

                  Roflumilast (Daliresp) can interact with many other medications. In particular, some medications can lower the amount of roflumilast (Daliresp) in the body so that it doesn't work as well to help manage COPD. Examples of such medications include rifampin, carbamazepine (Tegretol), and phenytoin (Dilantin).

                  Make sure to tell your care team about all of the over-the-counter and prescription medications you're currently taking. Before you start any new medications, check with a member of your care team to make sure that they're safe to take with roflumilast (Daliresp).

                  dosage

                  Roflumilast (Daliresp) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 30 tablets of 500mcg of Roflumilast (Daliresp) is $444.18 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.79% off the average retail price of $533.80.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  250mcg28 tablets$413.12$14.75
                  500mcg30 tablets$444.18$14.81

                  Typical dosing for Roflumilast (Daliresp)

                  The typical starting dose is 250 mcg by mouth once per day for 4 weeks. Then, the dose is raised to 500 mcg by mouth once per day.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Roflumilast (Daliresp) and other drugs

                  Roflumilast (Daliresp) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Roflumilast (Daliresp). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Roflumilast (Daliresp) cost?

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                  Daliresp (brand)
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                  contraindications-icon

                  Roflumilast (Daliresp) contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Roflumilast (Daliresp) will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Roflumilast (Daliresp)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Roflumilast (Daliresp). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Roflumilast (Daliresp)
                  Used for:

                  • Maintenance treatment for severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

                  $363.51 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Theophylline
                  Used for:

                  • Asthma

                  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

                  $38.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Roflumilast (Daliresp) images

                  White Round H And I - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "H" And "I".White Round H And I - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  White Round H And I - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "H" And "I".White Round H And I - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  White Round 0.5 - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "0.5".White Round 0.5 - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  White Round 500 And S - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "S" And "500".White Round 500 And S - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  White Round 500 And S - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "S" And "500".White Round 500 And S - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  White Round 500 And R - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "500" And "R".White Round 500 And R - Roflumilast 500mcg Tablet

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  American Lung Association. (2024). Measuring your peak flow rate.

                  Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2024). Roflumilast tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Calverley, P. M., et al. (2012). Does roflumilast decrease exacerbations in severe COPD patients not controlled by inhaled combination therapy? The REACT study protocol. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

                  View All References (4)

                  Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. (2024). Pocket guide to COPD diagnosis, management, and prevention. 

                  Janjua, S., et al. (2020). Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

                  Naseem, S., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of roflumilast in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cureus.

                  Watz, H., et al. (2018). Use of a 4-week up-titration regimen of roflumilast in patients with severe COPD. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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