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Nebulizer and compressor options
Questions to consider

Nebulizer and compressor options for Pulmozyme administration1,18

Your patients and/or their caregivers will likely have questions about how to administer Pulmozyme. Each Pulmozyme treatment, dosed QD or BID, requires the following items1:

  • One ampule of Pulmozyme
    • Pulmozyme is supplied in single-use ampules. It should be stored in refrigeration and protected from strong light1
  • A nebulizer approved for use with Pulmozyme -- either a jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor OR a vibrating mesh nebulizer2
  • Tubing and other components that come with the nebulizer1
  • A mouthpiece or a face mask (for younger patients unable to inhale or exhale consistently using a mouthpiece)1

Administer Pulmozyme via a vibrating mesh nebulizer, or via a jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor with an adequate air flow and equipped with a mouthpiece or suitable face mask.

The patient should follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions for Use on the use, maintenance, and replacement of the equipment, including cleaning and disinfection procedures.

For additional information, refer to recommended nebulizer Manufacturer’s Instructions for Use.

Several nebulizer and compressor options are FDA-approved for use with Pulmozyme1

Jet Nebulizer* Compressor
Hudson T Up-draft II® Pulmo-Aide® or legally marketed compressor of identical pressure and flow rate (maximum 30 psi, 12 LPM).
Marquest Acorn II®
PARI LC® Plus PARI PRONEB® or legally marketed compressor of identical pressure and flow rate (maximum 24 psi, 9 LPM).
ƗPARI BABY™
Durable Sidestream® MOBILAIRE™, Porta-NEB® or legally marketed compressor of identical pressure and flow rate (maximum 45 psi, 7 LPM).

Five vibrating mesh nebulizers are approved by FDA for use with Pulmozyme1*

eRapid® Nebulizer Systemǂ
Innospire Go
Pulmogine Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer
AireHealth Nebulizer™
Intelligent Mesh Nebulizer

*Follow the selected nebulizer manufacturer’s instruction manual.
ƗPatients who are unable to inhale or exhale orally throughout the entire nebulization period may use the PARI BABY™ nebulizer.
ǂConsisting of the eRapid® Nebulizer Handset with eBase™ Controller. Avoid use in patients who need a mask to inhale PULMOZYME.

Learn how to prepare and administer Pulmozyme

A step-by-step guide to taking Pulmozyme, including a list of equipment needed.

Download the Instructions for Use

Questions to consider when helping patients choose a nebulizer and compressor combination

  • What is your patient's lifestyle like?

Patients may want to consider what conveniences they need. For example, nebulizers/compressors may have different delivery times and cleaning instructions.

  • Will a child use it?

Certain nebulizers are designed especially for younger children and have features such as a mask instead of a mouthpiece.

  • How much will it cost?

Costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and insurance coverage can vary.

Remember to communicate these important instructions to patients/caregivers18:

  • Do not dilute or mix Pulmozyme with other drugs in the nebulizer1
  • Mixing of Pulmozyme with other drugs could lead to adverse physicochemical and/or functional changes in Pulmozyme or the admixed compound1
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the use and maintenance of the equipment, including cleaning and disinfection procedures1
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Next Page: Pulmozyme Dosing

Important Safety Information

Indication and Usage

Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) is indicated for daily administration in conjunction with standard therapies for the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to improve pulmonary function.

In CF patients with an FVC ≥ 40% of predicted, daily administration of Pulmozyme has also been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections requiring parenteral antibiotics.

Pulmozyme is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dornase alfa, Chinese Hamster Ovary cell products, or any component of the product.

The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of Pulmozyme include: voice alteration, pharyngitis, rash, laryngitis, chest pain, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, decrease in FVC of ≥ 10%, fever, dyspepsia, and dyspnea. There have been no reports of anaphylaxis attributed to the administration of Pulmozyme. Mild to moderate urticaria and mild skin rash have been observed and have been transient.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Pulmozyme in conjunction with standard therapies for cystic fibrosis have been established in pediatric patients. Use of Pulmozyme in pediatric patients is supported by evidence in the following age groups:

  • Patients 5 to 17 years of age: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 303 of clinically stable cystic fibrosis patients 5 to 17 years of age who received Pulmozyme.
  • Patients less than 5 years: Extrapolation of efficacy data in patients 5 years of age and older with additional safety data in 65 pediatric patients aged 3 months to less than 5 years who received Pulmozyme 2.5 mg daily by inhalation for 2 weeks.

The safety of Pulmozyme, 2.5 mg by inhalation, was studied with 2 weeks of daily administration in 98 pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis 3 months to 10 years of age (65 aged 3 months to < 5 years, 33 aged 5 to ≤ 10 years). The PARI BABYTM reusable nebulizer (which uses a facemask instead of a mouthpiece) was utilized in patients unable to demonstrate the ability to inhale or exhale orally throughout the entire treatment period (54/65, 83% of the younger; and 2/33, 6% of the older patients). Overall, the nature of adverse reactions was similar to that seen in the placebo-controlled trials in older patients. The number of patients reporting cough was higher in the younger age group as compared to the older age group (29/65, 45%; compared to 10/33, 30%) as was the number reporting moderate to severe cough (24/65, 37%; compared to 6/33, 18%). The number of patients reporting rhinitis was higher in the younger age group as compared to the older age group (23/65, 35%; compared to 9/33, 27%) as was the number reporting rash (4/65, 6% as compared to 0/33, 0%).

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

Please see Pulmozyme full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

    • Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) [package insert]. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech, Inc; 2024.

      Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) [package insert]. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech, Inc; 2024.

    • Harms HK, Matouk E, Tournier G, et al; DNase International Study Group. Multicenter, open-label study of recombinant human DNase in cystic fibrosis patients with moderate lung disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1998;26(3):155-161.

      Harms HK, Matouk E, Tournier G, et al; DNase International Study Group. Multicenter, open-label study of recombinant human DNase in cystic fibrosis patients with moderate lung disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1998;26(3):155-161.

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    • Data on file. Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

      Data on file. Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

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      Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry 2016 Annual Data Report. Bethesda, MD. ©2017 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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    Non-US Residents visit: Pulmozyme.global