Treating Cystic Fibrosis

Quick Links

Get the most out of your cystic fibrosis treatment

Every prescribed therapy plays a unique role in the fight against CF.

Pulmozyme and your other treatments: Together they help manage CF in different ways

Pulmozyme® (dornase alfa) cuts apart extracellular DNA

Pulmozyme: Cuts apart extracellular DNA to help thin and loosen thick, sticky mucus that may be in the lungs. Extracellular DNA are the remains of white blood cells that came forward to fight an infection. Thinner and looser mucus is easier to clear from your lungs and less likely to trap bacteria, which can lead to infections.

CFTR Modulators: CFTR stands for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. CFTRs help keep a balance of salt and water in the lungs and other organs, and can reduce the amount of mucus that builds up. When salt and water in the lungs are not balanced, it can lead to a buildup of thick and sticky mucus. These treatments help keep that balance.

CFTRs were studied in patients taking Pulmozyme

CFTR modulators were studied in patients taking Pulmozyme. CFTRs modulators are gene-specific treatments. They were studied for use in patients with specific genetic mutations (changes in specific genes). The CF patients in these studies took the CFTR modulator in addition to their prescribed CF therapies (eg, Pulmozyme, bronchodilators, and inhaled antibiotics).

Bronchodilators: Help open airways. They relax the muscles in the airways to make breathing easier.

Hydrators: Help increase moisture in thick mucus to improve mucus clearance.

Airway Clearance Techniques: Help physically loosen and move mucus out of the airway. Moving mucus out of airways is important in preventing bacteria from getting trapped.

Antibiotics: Help prevent and treat infections. Infections could lead to hospitalizations and more health problems if not treated.

Get the most out of your treatment

Eat a healthy diet: CF can block important enzymes needed to break down and absorb nutrients. It is important to eat a lot of high-calorie and healthy foods to manage your CF
Exercise: Being active may also help manage your CF. It is important to discuss your exercise plans with your doctor and CF Care Team. The effect of Pulmozyme on exercise tolerance has not been established in adults or children.

Get tips and resources for living with CF

Here are a few things to discuss with your CF Care Team and your doctor before getting started exercising:

Set goals for your exercise plan. Discuss exercises that may be fun, but are also safe
Create a routine that gradually allows you to do more
Work with your CF Care Team to discuss signs that may mean it’s time to take a break from the action

Need help paying for Pulmozyme?

Learn more

Next Page: How Pulmozyme Works

Indication and Usage

Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) is indicated, along with standard therapies, for the management of pediatric and adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) 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 injectable antibiotics.

Pulmozyme should not be used in patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Patients may experience the following when using Pulmozyme: change in or loss of their voice, discomfort in the throat, rash, chest pain, red watery eyes, runny nose, lowering of lung function, fever, indigestion, and shortness of breath. There have been no reports of severe allergic reactions caused by the administration of Pulmozyme. Mild to moderate hives and mild skin rash have been observed and have been short-lived.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Pulmozyme along with standard therapies for cystic fibrosis have been established in pediatric patients. The use of Pulmozyme in pediatric patients at 5 to 17 years of age is supported by evidence from a randomized, controlled trial. The use of Pulmozyme in patients less than 5 years of age is supported by the efficacy data from the same randomized, controlled trial and additional safety data in pediatric patients aged 3 months to less than 5 years who received Pulmozyme.

You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. 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.

For further information, please see the Pulmozyme full Prescribing Information. If you have questions, please discuss them with your CF Care Team.