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Indication Statement:

Daily administration of Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) in conjunction with standard therapies is indicated in the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to improve pulmonary function. In patients with an FVC ≥ 40% of predicted, daily administration of Pulmozyme has also been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections requiring parenteral antibiotics. Safety and efficacy of daily administration have not been demonstrated in patients for longer than twelve months.

Important Safety Information

  • Pulmozyme should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to dornase alfa, or any ingredients of the product.
  • Pulmozyme should be used in conjunction with standard therapies for CF.
  • Most common reported adverse events associated with the use of Pulmozyme include: voice alteration, pharyngitis, laryngitis, rash, chest pain, and conjunctivitis.

Pulmozyme Access Solutions®

Pulmozyme Treatment

Prescribing Pulmozyme

How to prepare your patients for daily Pulmozyme treatment

Your patients and/or their caregivers will likely have questions about how to administer Pulmozyme. Each daily Pulmozyme treatment requires the following items:

  • One ampule of Pulmozyme
  • One nebulizer approved for use with Pulmozyme
  • Tubing and other components that come with the nebulizer
  • A mouthpiece (or a face mask for children younger than 5 years) and a compressor compatible with your nebulizer

For step-by-step instructions on administering Pulmozyme, your patients can visit the Pulmozyme Patient site.

How to choose a nebulizer and compressor

Your patients will need a nebulizer and a compressor to take Pulmozyme. However, not all nebulizers and compressors are the same. Here are some questions you and your patients may want to discuss:

  • Is it FDA approved? The FDA approves the use of certain nebulizers and compressors for certain medicines. See a list of FDA-approved nebulizers and compressors below.
  • What is your lifestyle like? Patients may want to consider what conveniences they need. For example, nebulizers/compressors may have different delivery times and cleaning instructions.
  • How much will it cost? Insurance coverage can vary. If your patients have questions about insurance coverage, they can contact Pulmozyme Access Solutions® for assistance.
  • Will a child use it? Certain nebulizers are designed especially for younger children and have features such as a mask instead of a mouthpiece.

Comparing FDA-approved nebulizers/compressors

The following chart lists all the nebulizers and compressors that are approved for use with Pulmozyme.

Jet Nebulizer Compressor
Durable Sidestream®* with MOBILAIRE™**
Durable Sidestream* with Porta-Neb®
PARI LC Jet®+ with PARI PRONEB®
PARI BABY™* with PARI PRONEB
Hudson "T" Up-draft II® with Pulmo-Aide®
Marquest Acorn II® with Pulmo-Aide

* Dishwasher-safe.
** Invacare Corporation. Used with permission.

There may be additional nebulizers and compressors available that are NOT approved by the FDA for use with Pulmozyme including:

  • Alterna® Nebulizer System used with CAYSTON® (aztreonam)
  • PARI LC® PLUS Reusable Nebulizer and DeVilbiss® Pulmo-Aide® Air Compressor used with TOBI® (tobramycin)
  • PARI LC® PLUS Reusable Nebulizer and PARI PRONEB® Turbo Compressor used with hypertonic saline

Please see Important Safety Information and accompanying full Prescribing Information.

Help your patients commit to care.

To help maximize results, patients should take Pulmozyme daily along with other standard therapies. Adherence to therapy may be improved by encouraging patients to communicate their concerns about treatment. (Ref. 1, 2, 3) Communicating with caregivers about the importance of staying on therapy as prescribed may help patients benefit from their CF treatments. (Ref. 4)

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Studies and Efficacy ›
References
  1. Zindani GN, Streetman DD, Streetman DS, Nasr SZ. Adherence to treatment in children and adolescent patients with cystic fibrosis. J Adolesc Health. 2006;38:14.
  2. Sleath B, Roter D, Chewning B, Svarstad B. Asking questions about medication. Med Care. 1999;37:1169.
  3. Levers, p 342, col 1, par 2, L11-14
  4. Kettler LJ, Sawyer SM, Winefield HR, Greville HW. Determinants of adherence in adults with cystic fibrosis. Thorax. 2002;57:462.