Type of medicine: mucolytic enzyme
Generic and brand names: dornase alfa, inhalation; Pulmozyme
This medicine is inhaled to improve lung function and to help prevent lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
You must use this medicine in a power-operated nebulizer. A nebulizer provides a precise amount of medicine as an aerosol mist that you breathe through your mouth and into your lungs. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Read all instructions supplied with the equipment and the medicine.
If you are not sure how to use the nebulizer, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain. Use only one single-use ampule (small vial) each day.
Do not dilute this medicine or mix it with any other medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
Do not use this medicine if it has become cloudy or discolored. Throw out any part of a vial that is not used right away.
Do not dilute or mix any other medicines with this medicine in the nebulizer.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Hoarseness, rash, wheezing, chest pain that continues or gets worse.
Other: Stomach pain, fever, muscle or joint pain, cough, wheezing, runny nose, sore throat, mild itching, eye irritation.
No significant drug interactions have been identified.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine in the refrigerator until you use it. Do not let it reach room temperature for more than 24 hours. Also, refrigerate it during transport. Keep this medicine in its original foil pouch and away from strong light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
