Pulmozyme (Dornase Alfa)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Pulmozyme Used For?
Pulmozyme contains dornase alfa, an enzyme that helps people with cystic fibrosis (CF) manage their condition by breaking down thick, sticky mucus in the lungs.
Primary Uses
Pulmozyme is used to treat cystic fibrosis, a hereditary disease that causes abnormally thick and sticky secretions mainly affecting the lung passages and pancreas. It helps improve lung function, ease breathing symptoms, and reduce the risk of lung infections.
How It Works
The enzyme dornase alfa breaks down DNA that builds up in lung secretions from dead white blood cells. By breaking down this excessive DNA, Pulmozyme reduces the thickness of lung mucus, improves lung function, and eases symptoms of breathlessness, cough, and congestion. It also reduces the chance of lung infections and decreases the need for intravenous antibiotics.
Important to know: Pulmozyme is only one part of CF treatment and is not a cure for the disease, but it helps manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
How to Take Pulmozyme
Pulmozyme must be inhaled using a nebulizer and compressor system recommended by your doctor. It should be used long-term unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose for adults and children is one ampoule inhaled once daily. For some people over 21 years of age, the dose may be increased to one ampoule twice daily. Take Pulmozyme at the same time each day. Do not dilute or mix with other medicines in the nebulizer. Discard any leftover solution after each use – it cannot be reused.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take your next dose at its scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never double up on doses if you miss one – just continue with your regular schedule.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Hoarse or raspy voice
- Sore throat
- Skin rash
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Conjunctivitis (sore, red, gritty or weeping eyes)
- Runny nose and eyes
- Fever
- Upset stomach
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe chest pain
- Severe breathing difficulties
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Pulmozyme, including allergies and other medical conditions.
Who Should Not Take Pulmozyme
Do not use Pulmozyme if you are allergic to dornase alfa or any ingredients, have had an allergic reaction to Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) proteins, if the package is damaged or expired, or if the solution is cloudy or discolored.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other health problems, are allergic to any medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives, or if you are younger than 5 years (limited experience in this age group).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known whether Pulmozyme is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, as it is not known whether Pulmozyme passes into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits.
Allergic reactions: Stop using and seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction.
Drug Interactions
Standard CF treatments can be used safely with Pulmozyme, but they should not be mixed together in the nebulizer.
Nebulizer mixing: Never mix Pulmozyme with other medicines or solutions in the nebulizer bowl unless specifically advised by your doctor.
- Antibiotics (safe to use but don’t mix in nebulizer)
- Bronchodilators (safe to use but don’t mix in nebulizer)
- Vitamins (safe to use but don’t mix in nebulizer)
- Corticosteroids (safe to use but don’t mix in nebulizer)
- Pain killers (safe to use but don’t mix in nebulizer)
Alcohol & Driving
Pulmozyme has not been shown to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should be careful until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Pulmozyme affects you. Pulmozyme has not been shown to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Storage
Keep Pulmozyme ampoules in their protective foil pouches in the refrigerator at 2-8°C until ready to use. Protect from light and store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, or in the car. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have inhaled too much Pulmozyme, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pulmozyme works by breaking down DNA in lung mucus to improve lung function and ease symptoms. It should be used long-term as prescribed by your doctor for ongoing management of cystic fibrosis.
Standard CF treatments like antibiotics, bronchodilators, vitamins, and corticosteroids can be used safely with Pulmozyme, but they should never be mixed together in the nebulizer bowl.
If you miss a dose, take your next dose at its scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
No, you must discard any leftover solution after each use. Pulmozyme cannot be kept for the next dose because it does not contain preservatives.
Use only nebulizers and compressors recommended by your doctor. Several specific combinations have been tested and found effective, including Airlife Misty/Pulmo-Aide and Hudson T Updraft II/Pulmo-Aide.
It is not known whether Pulmozyme is harmful to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Keep ampoules in their foil pouches in the refrigerator at 2-8°C, protected from light. Do not store in bathrooms, cars, or areas with heat and moisture.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.