What is Dornase alfa?
Dornase is given to people with cystic fibrosis in order to thin the mucus that builds up in their airways. This can help improve lung function and reduce the risk of infection. Dornase Alfa may be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Dornase alfa
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat. If your breathing problems worsen, call your doctor immediately.
Some of the common side effects associated with dornase Alfa include:
- Sore throat
- Chest pain and difficulty breathing
- Changes in your voice
- Rash;
- Eye redness;
- Fever.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for reporting purposes contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not use it other than as directed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if you have allergies or other medical conditions.
Before you take this drug
Dornase Alfa should not be used if you have an allergy to it or any other Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell products. Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor. Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.
How to take Dornase alfa?
Read and adhere to all instructions or guides included with your medication. Follow the directions on the label. Dornase Alfa should be used regularly to reap the maximum benefits. Please read and follow the instructions for use. If you need assistance, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Use the solution with all nebulizers.
- Pour the medication into the chamber. Attach the face mask or mouthpiece, and then connect the chamber to the compressor. Place the mouthpiece inside or wear the mask. Start the compressor.
- Continue to breathe slowly and evenly until the mist has disappeared and you can see that the drug chamber is empty.
- After each use, clean the nebulizer. You may have to replace the handset on certain nebulizers after 90 uses. Please follow the instructions that came with your device.
Do not mix or dilute dornase with other drugs. If your child is having trouble breathing out or in while using the nebulizer, tell the doctor. Each ampule has a single use. After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside. Keep dornase ampules away from the light in the fridge. Ampules that are not in use should be stored in their protective foil pouch. You can store ampules at room temperature (for a maximum of 60 hours) if needed. Keep away from heat and sunlight. If the medication looks cloudy or has changed color, call your pharmacist.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for cystic fibrosis:
2.5 mg (1 ampule single-use) inhaled once daily orally using a nebulizer/compressor-recommended system
Comment:
Some patients may benefit from receiving the medication twice daily.
Use:
-Coadministration of standard therapies with cystic fibrosis patients (CF) to improve pulmonary function
-To reduce the likelihood of respiratory tract infection requiring parenteral antibacterials among CF patients who have a Force Vital Capacity of at least 40%
The usual pediatric dose for cystic fibrosis:
Age 5 or older
2.5 mg (1 ampule single-use) inhaled once daily orally using a nebulizer/compressor-recommended system
Comment:
Some patients may benefit from receiving the medication twice daily.
Uses:
-Coadministration of standard therapies with cystic fibrosis patients (CF) to improve pulmonary function
-To reduce the likelihood of respiratory tract infection requiring parenteral antibacterials in CF patients with a force vital capacity of 40% or higher
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dosage. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
When used as directed, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Dornase may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
