Dornase Alfa



Pulmozyme®







Dornase Alfa

(DOOR nase AL fa)

U.S. Brand Names
Pulmozyme®
Canadian Brand Names
Pulmozyme™
Mexican Brand Names
Pulmozyme®
Pharmacologic Category
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? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • 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 some possible 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.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • 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.
Brand Names: