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| Pronunciation |
|
 (DOOR
nase AL
fa) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Pulmozyme® |
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|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Enzyme |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years of age.
If you have an allergy to dornase alfa or any other part of this
medicine.
If you are allergic to hamster products, talk with healthcare
provider.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms
involved. |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to decrease the number of lung infections and
improve lung function in cystic fibrosis. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Dornase alfa is an enzyme that works to thin lung secretions.
It improves the lungs and the risk of infection may be
decreased. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
Follow directions given by healthcare provider.
For inhaling (puffing) only by an inhaler or as a liquid (solution)
through a special machine (nebulizer) into the lungs.
Your healthcare provider will teach you to use the nebulizer.
Do not mix with any other liquid
medicines. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Chest pain or pressure.
Change in voice.
Nasal congestion. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same? |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store in a refrigerator.
Protect from light.
Store in protective foil pouch until ready for use.
Use right after opening.
Do not use if solution changes color.
Throw away unopened medicine if left at room temperature for more
than 24 hours. |
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|
| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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