In laboratory studies, Pulmozyme made mucus thinner and looser,
which can make it easier to clear your lungs. It works to fight cystic
fibrosis, even when you can't feel it.
Cystic fibrosis often requires several different medicines as part
of a treatment routine. Not all medicines work the same, so your
doctor will prescribe multiple therapies to help you fight cystic fibrosis.
Understanding Cystic Fibrosis Treatments
Watch the video for more information about the different roles
cystic fibrosis treatments play.
New treatments bring new treatment plans. It’s important to take all
your medications as your doctor prescribed. Each treatment is
important to your fight.
Consider Pulmozyme a standard part in the fight against cystic fibrosis.
Pulmozyme is a commonly prescribed medicine that is unique in the
way it works. Picture how a pair of scissors can be used to cut
something into smaller pieces. Similarly, laboratory studies show that
Pulmozyme cuts apart extracellular DNA by acting like an enzyme*
naturally found in the lungs. By cutting this extracellular DNA,
Pulmozyme helps make the thick, sticky mucus that your lungs produce
thinner and looser.
What do other cystic fibrosis medicines do?
Cystic fibrosis is a complex disease. Your doctor will prescribe
other medicines to take in addition to Pulmozyme. These medicines can include:
Antibiotics
Help prevent and treat infections.
Bronchodilators
Help open airways.
Hydrators
Help increase moisture in thick mucus.
Airway Clearance Techniques
Help physically loosen and move mucus out of the airway.
CFTR Modulators†
Help keep a balance of salt and water in the lungs.
*Enzymes are proteins created by the body to help
speed up chemical reactions (such as the breakdown of
molecules). †CFTR=cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator.
Taking all your treatments helps manage cystic fibrosis on multiple fronts.
Your doctor may have given you several different medicines and each
has a different purpose. You should always take Pulmozyme as
prescribed. In laboratory studies, Pulmozyme helped make mucus thinner
and looser. On the next page, you’ll learn why it’s important to take
your Pulmozyme as directed.
Discussing Pulmozyme with your doctor
Use this discussion guide to help prepare for your doctor’s
appointment and get the answers you’ll need for your everyday
Pulmozyme treatment.
Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) is indicated for daily administration along with standard therapies for the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to improve pulmonary function.
In CF patients with an FVC ≥ 40% of predicted, daily administration of Pulmozyme has also been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections requiring injectable antibiotics.
Important Safety Information
Pulmozyme should not be used in patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Patients may experience the following when using Pulmozyme: change in or loss of their voice, discomfort in the throat, rash, chest pain, red watery eyes, runny nose, lowering of lung function, fever, indigestion, and shortness of breath. There have been no reports of severe allergic reactions caused by the administration of Pulmozyme. Mild to moderate hives and mild skin rash have been observed and have been short-lived.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of Pulmozyme have been established in patients 5 years of age and older. While clinical trial data are limited in patients younger than 5 years of age, the use of Pulmozyme should be considered for pediatric CF patients who may experience potential benefit in lung function or who may be at risk of respiratory tract infection.
The safety of Pulmozyme given by daily inhalation for 2 weeks has been studied using 98 CF patients with 65 of them aged 3 months to <5 years (younger group) and 33 aged 5 years to <10 years (older group). The PARI BABY™ reusable nebulizer (which uses a face mask instead of a mouthpiece) was used in patients who were unable to show that they could breathe in or out using their mouth throughout the entire treatment period. Overall, the kind of side effects observed in children was similar to those seen in larger trials in older patients.
You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
Please see full Pulmozyme Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information. If you have questions, please discuss them with your CF Care Team.
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