How does Pulmozyme break down mucus?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease caused by genetic mutations that lead to abnormally sticky, thick mucus in the lungs and pancreas. This mucus buildup can result in life-threatening lung infections and serious digestive problems.
Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) is a mucolytic solution manufactured by Genentech, Inc. It is administered via a nebulizer, which turns the liquid medication into a fine mist for inhalation. Pulmozyme works by breaking down extracellular DNA in pulmonary secretions, reducing mucus viscosity so it becomes looser and easier to cough up. This improves breathing and helps fight lung infections that require injectable antibiotics.
Pulmozyme FAQs
What Is the Active Ingredient in Pulmozyme?
The active ingredient is dornase alfa, a recombinant DNase enzyme. As a mucolytic, it thins thick, sticky mucus in the lungs, easing breathing and lowering the risk of respiratory tract infections that need injectable antibiotics.
What Does Pulmozyme Treat?
Pulmozyme is used alongside standard CF therapies such as inhaled antibiotics, bronchodilators, and CFTR modulators to improve lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis.
How Do You Use Pulmozyme?
Pulmozyme is supplied in single-dose ampules as a clear, colorless inhalation solution. It must be used in a compatible nebulizer with a mouthpiece or face mask and compressor. Recommended nebulizers include PARI LC Plus, PARI BABY, Hudson T Updraft II, and Durable Sidestream. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device.
What Are the Side Effects of Pulmozyme?
Common side effects seen in clinical trials compared to placebo include:
- Change in voice
- Pharyngitis (sore throat)
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Chest pain
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Rash
- Decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥ 10%
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
Rare serious side effects may include allergic reactions. This is not a complete list. Read all information provided by your doctor and the manufacturer, and report adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What Drug Interactions Are There with Pulmozyme?
There are no clinically significant drug interactions identified with Pulmozyme. Still, inform your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.
What Should You Tell Your Healthcare Provider Before Taking Pulmozyme?
Ensure your provider knows if you have:
- An allergy to dornase alfa, Chinese hamster ovary cell products, or any other ingredient in Pulmozyme
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed
What Other Medications Break Down Mucus?
Other mucus-thinning options include:
- Expectorants such as guaifenesin, which thin mucus to aid coughing, available in tablets and liquids.
- Hypertonic saline, a sterile saline solution that hydrates airways and thins mucus; used twice daily in CF patients aged 6 and older.
- Mannitol, an inhaled powder for CF patients 18 and older that loosens mucus. A test dose determines suitability; follow with airway clearance techniques or Pulmozyme. Typically taken twice daily.
Related Medications
- Acetylcysteine (N-acetylcysteine)
- Sodium chloride (hypertonic saline)
- Kalydeco (ivacaftor)
- Orkambi (lumacaftor/ivacaftor)
- Mucinex (guaifenesin)