Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Pulmozyme

Generic Name: dornase alfa (inhalation) (Pronunciation: DOOR nase AL fa)

• What is dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)?
• What are the possible side effects of dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)?
• What is the most important information I should know about dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)?
• How should I use dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Pulmozyme)?
• What happens if I overdose (Pulmozyme)?
• What should I avoid while using dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)?
• What other drugs will affect dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)?

Dornase alfa is a synthetic protein that breaks down excess DNA in the pulmonary secretions of people with cystic fibrosis.

Dornase alfa is used to improve lung function in people with cystic fibrosis by thinning pulmonary secretions and reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections.

Dornase alfa may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects while taking dornase alfa, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• increased difficulty breathing;
• chest pain; or
• fever.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur with the use of dornase alfa. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

• voice alteration;
• sore throat;
• rash;
• laryngitis;
• eye redness, irritation, or inflammation; or
• nasal stuffiness or discharge.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)?

Do not dilute or mix the dornase alfa solution with any other drugs in the nebulizer. Mixing of dornase alfa with other drugs could lead to changes in the actions of the medications.

Ampules of dornase alfa do not contain a preservative. Once opened, the entire contents of the ampule must be used or discarded.

Dornase alfa must be stored in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius) and protected from strong light. Keep unused ampules in the protective foil pouch. Dornase alfa should be kept refrigerated during transport. Combined lengths of exposure of the medication to room temperature should not exceed 24 hours.

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