Pulmozyme
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.
What is Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)?
What is Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) used for?
- Improve lung function in children and adults with cystic fibrosis
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
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Pink eye
- Rash
- Indigestion
- Difficulty breathing
The following Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) 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
congestion
dryness or soreness of the throat
hoarseness
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:
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.
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Pros and cons of Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)
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
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 for Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)
- 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.
- If you're also taking bronchodilator, such as albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir) or levalbuterol (Xopenex), it's best to use the bronchodilator first, 15 to 30 minutes before using Pulmozyme (dornase alfa). Bronchodilator medications help open up the airways, which makes it easier for other medications to get into the lungs.
- 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.
Common questions about Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) dosage
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 ampules of 1mg/ml | 1 carton | $3,779.34 | $3,779.34 |
Typical dosage 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 between Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) and other drugs
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.
How much does Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) cost?
$3,779.34
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.
- Allergy to medications made from Chinese Hamster Ovary cells
What are alternatives to Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)?
Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) images
