Brand Names

How to Use

Dornase alfa usually comes with patient instructions. Read them carefully before using this drug.

Dornase alfa is packaged in small plastic containers called ampules. Each ampule contains one full dose of dornase alfa Do not use an ampule that has already been opened. Always do not use an ampule of this drug after the expiration date printed on the package .

Do not use dornase alfa solution if it is cloudy or discolored .

Dornase alfa must be using in a nebulizer with a compressor . Only the following nebulizers and compressors must be using with this drug:

• Hudson T Up-draft II disposable jet nebulizer using with the Pulmo-Aide compress
• Marquest Acorn II disposable jet nebulizer using with the Pulmo-Aide compress
• Reusable PARI LC Jet+ nebulizer using with the PARI PRONEB compress
• Reusable PARI BABY nebulizer using with the PARI PRONEB compress
• Reusable Durable Sidestream jet nebulizer with the MOBILAIRE or the Porta-Neb compress

Your health care professional will help you decide which nebulizer and compressor to use.

The best for you that you use dornase alfa only as directed . Use the mouthpiece provided with the nebulizer. Do not use a face mask with the nebulizer because less drug will get into your lungs. Patients who are unable to inhale and exhale through the mouth for the entire nebulizer treat may use the PARI BABY nebulizer with the supplied face mask Make sure you understand exactly how to use this drug in the nebulizer .

In order to receive the full effects of this drug, you must use it every day as ordered by your family doctor . If possible, dornase alfa must be using at about the same time each day. You may notice some improvement in your condition within the first week of treat. However, some diseaseds may not feel the full effects of this drug for weeks or months.

If you are taking any other medication for cystic fibrosis, keep taking them as you did before you started using dornase alfa, unless otherwise directed by your family doctor. However, do not put any other inhaled drug in the nebulizer at the same time that you use dornase alfa . Other inhaled medication may be using in a clean nebulizer before or after your treat with dornase alfa.

To prepare the nebulizer for use :

• Wash your hands well with soap and water before putting the nebulizer together and preparing the drug. This will help prevent infection.
• Put the nebulizer together only on a clean surface. If dirt or germs get on the nebulizer or in the drug, they may cause infection.
• After you put the nebulizer together, test the compressor - following the manufacturer's directions to make sure it works properly. If you have any questions about this, ask your health care professional.
• If you are using the Durable Sidestream jet nebulizer with the MOBILAIRE compressor, turn the compressor control knob all the way to the right and then turn on the compressor. The needle on the gauge vibrates between 35 and 45, which is the highest amount of pressure.

To prepare the drug for use in the nebulizer :

• Remove one ampule of dornase alfa from the refrigerator. Squeeze the ampule before opening to make sure there are no leaks. Hold the tab at the base of the ampule firmly. Twist off the top of the ampule, but do not squeeze the body of the ampule while doing so.
• Take the cap off the nebulizer cup. Turn the opened ampule upside down over the cup. Squeeze the ampule gently until all the contents are emptied into the cup The best for you that you use the full dose of this drug .
• Replace the cap on the nebulizer cup. Connect the nebulizer and compressor, following the manufacturer's directions.
• Turn on the compressor. Make sure there is mist coming from the nebulizer.

To use the drug in the nebulizer :

• Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and on top of your tongue. Close your lips around the mouthpiece. Be sure that you do not block the airflow with your tongue or teeth.
• Breathe normally, in and out, through your mouth Do not breathe through your nose . If you have trouble breathing only through your mouth, use a nose clip.
• During treat, moisture may collect in the long connecting tube of the nebulizer. This must be expected. However, if you notice a leak or feel moisture coming from the nebulizer during the treat, turn off the compressor. Then check to make sure the nebulizer cap is sealed correctly before you continue the treat.
• When the nebulizer begins 'spitting" gently tap the nebulizer cup. Continue breathing until the cup is empty or no more mist comes from the nebulizer.
• If you have to stop the treat for some reason or if you start coughing during the treat, turn off the compressor. To begin the treat again, turn on the compressor and continue as before.
• The complete treat usually takes 10 to 15 minutes Be sure to inhale the full dose of dornase alfa .

After using dornase alfa :

• Turn off the compressor. Then take apart the nebulizer system.
• Follow the manufacturer's directions for care and cleaning of your nebulizer and compressor.

Dosage

• For inhalation dosage form - inhalation solution:
  • For cystic fibrosis:
    • Adults and children 5 years of age and older The usual dose is 2.5 milligrams - mg - one ampule, using in a nebulizer once a day for about 10 to 15 minutes. However, your family doctor may want you to use this drug two times a day at regularly spaced times.
    • Children 3 months to 5 years of age The usual dose is 2.5 milligrams - mg - one ampule, using in a nebulizer once a day for about 10 to 15 minutes.
    • Children up to 3 months of age Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children
• Store away from heat and light.
• Store the drug in the refrigerator in the foil pouches. However, keep the drug from freezing. Do not leave this drug out of the refrigerator for longer than 24 hours. If an ampule of drug is left out for longer than this, it must be thrown away and a new ampule must be using.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.