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Pulmozyme Coupon - Pulmozyme 30 ampules of 1mg/ml carton

Pulmozyme

dornase alfa
Used for Cystic Fibrosis
Used for Cystic Fibrosis

Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) is used to thin mucus in the lungs and improve breathing in people with cystic fibrosis. It comes as a solution that's used in a nebulizer (a device that changes liquid medication into a mist that you can breathe in). Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) doesn't have any known interactions with other medications. Throat pain, chest pain, and a change in voice are common side effects of this medication. The brand name is Pulmozyme and the generic name is dornase alfa.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 1, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)?

What is Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) used for?

How Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) works

Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) is a mucolytic. It breaks down DNA that builds up to cause thick mucus in the lungs. This makes the mucus thinner, looser, and easier to cough up, so that you can breathe better.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPulmozyme
Drug ClassMucolytic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)?

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

  • Sore throat (up to 40%)
  • Fever (up to 32%)
  • Stuffy nose (up to 30%)
  • Chest pain (up to 25%)
  • Change in voice (up to 18%)

Other Side Effects

  • Pink eye
  • Rash
  • Indigestion
  • Difficulty breathing

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

Body aches or pain

chest pain

congestion

cough

dryness or soreness of the throat

fever

hoarseness

runny nose

tender, swollen glands in the neck

trouble breathing

trouble swallowing

voice changes

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:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

heartburn

indigestion

rash

sneezing

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

stuffy nose

Less common

Burning, dry, or itching eyes

discharge or excessive tearing

redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

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 Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to thin the mucus in your lungs and help clear your airways

Recommended treatment option for people with cystic fibrosis

Can be used by both children and adults

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be used with certain nebulizer machines

Might be inconvenient when traveling since unused vials should be kept cold in their original foil pouch

Sometimes can cause hoarseness or changes in your voice

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)

pharmacist

  • Inhale Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) through the mouth with a nebulizer machine. There are different types of machines and they all work a little differently. Make sure you follow your provider's instructions on how to use it correctly.

    • Never mix Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) with other medications or liquids in the nebulizer. This is because they might react with each other and cause both to not work as well.

      • Store Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) in the original foil pouch in the fridge until ready to use. Protect it from light.

        • When traveling, try to keep your Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) cool. It can be left at room temperature for a total of 24 hours. After this time, throw it away.

          • Squeeze each Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) ampule before opening to check for leaks. If the ampule is leaking, or if the solution looks cloudy or discolored, throw it away and use a new one.

            • Do your chest physical therapy right after taking Pulmozyme (dornase alfa), while your mucus is still thin and easier to move out of your airways.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)

              Can you mix Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) and albuterol?
              No. Don't mix Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) with albuterol or any other medications in your nebulizer machine. The medications might react with each other and not work as well. Ask your provider or pharmacist for the proper way to take each medication.
              How long can Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) be unrefrigerated?
              Unused vials of Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) should be keep in their foil pouch in the refrigerator. If you need to travel and don't have a cooler or refrigerator, you can keep it at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) has been left at room temperature for a total time of 24 hours, don't use it because it might not work well anymore.
              How long does it take for Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) to work?
              It varies, but in clinical studies, people taking Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) had improved breathing within 8 days of starting the medication. Keep in mind that the medication is helping to improve your lung function even if you don't feel the effects. Your provider will perform tests on your lungs to check how well the medication is working for you.
              How is Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) administered?
              Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) must be used with a nebulizer. It comes as a liquid that you pour into specific parts of the machine. Your nebulizer will change the liquid into a mist that you'll breathe in through a mouthpiece. Depending on which nebulizer you're using, it'll take you anywhere from 2 to 15 minutes to finish each treatment. For detailed information on how to administer Pulmozyme (dornase alfa), read the Instructions for Use, watch this administration video, and contact your provider.
              Is Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) a corticosteroid?
              No. Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) isn't a corticosteroid, and it doesn't lower inflammation. It belongs to a group of medications called mucolytics, and only works to thin mucus in your airways.
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              dosage

              Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) dosage forms

              Typical dosing for Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)

              The typical dose is one 2.5 mg ampule (vial) inhaled once daily using a nebulizer device. Your healthcare provider might raise your dose to 2.5 mg twice a day depending on your response to the medication.

              interactions

              Interactions between Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) and other drugs

              Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) 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 Pulmozyme (dornase alfa). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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              How much does Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) cost?

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              contraindications-icon

              Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) 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 Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) will not be safe for you to take.
              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Pulmozyme (dornase alfa). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)
              Used for:
              $3779.34 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Acetylcysteine
              Used for:
              $40.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Sodium chloride
              Used for:

              • To help thin mucus to make it easier to cough it up - Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) 3% and above

              • To moisten airways and help in breathing - Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) 0.9%

              $14.08 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              images

              Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) images

              colorless - PULMOZYME 2.5mg / 2.5mL Solution for Inhalation
              This medicine is Colorless Carton.colorless - PULMOZYME 2.5mg / 2.5mL Solution for Inhalation

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (n.d.). Bronchodilators.

              Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (n.d.). Chronic medications to maintain lung health clinical care guidelines.

              Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (n.d.). Mucus thinners.

              View All References (7)

              Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (n.d.). Nebulizer care at home.

              Genentech USA, Inc. (n.d.). How Pulmozyme works to fight cystic fibrosis (CF).

              Genentech USA, Inc. (n.d.). Preparing for CF treatment with Pulmozyme.

              Genentech USA, Inc. (n.d.). Pulmozyme FAQs.

              Genentech USA, Inc. (n.d.). Pulmozyme is an important part of a multitherapy approach to treating CF.

              Genentech, Inc. (2020). Pulmozyme- dornase alfa solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Sharker, S. M., et al. (2021). A review on the current methods of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells cultivation for the production of therapeutic protein. Current Drug Discovery Technologies.

              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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