Side Effects of Pulmozyme
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation reports that 30,000 people in the United States suffer from cystic fibrosis, a condition that causes excess mucus in the lungs and air passageways. Cystic fibrosis makes breathing difficult for and increases the chance of serious lung infections. Although there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, medicines are available to help treat its symptoms including the inhalant drug, dornase alfa, which is sold under the brand name Pulmozyme. Despite its effectiveness, Pulmozyme is not for everyone as it presents several risks for side effects and complications in some patients.
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Common Side Effects
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The most common side effects of Pulmozyme are not normally serious in nature and pose little discomfort. Many patients using Pulmozyme inhalants experience chest pain after receiving a treatment. Patients also frequently report hoarseness or a "frog in the throat" while using Pulmozyme. Sore throats are also a common side effect of treatment.
Other Side Effects
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Pulmozyme also has the potential to cause a number of other troublesome or annoying---although not dangerous---side effects. Some patients experience gastrointestinal side effects from the drug, such as weight loss and upset stomach. Respiratory side effects of Pulmozyme include sneezing, coughing, sinus infections, wheezing and changes in the sound of your voice. Pulmozyme sometimes affects the eyes, causing redness, irritation, itching, pain and swelling. The drug also causes rashes and fever in rare instances.
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Allergic Reactions
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Although rare, Pulmozyme has the potential to cause serious allergic reactions in some patients. The first signs of an allergic reaction are often the formation of hives anywhere on the body and itching around the mouth and lips. Without medical attention, the reaction often progresses to more dangerous symptoms, such as swelling of the lips and throat or difficulty breathing. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction at any point while using Pulmozyme, seek prompt emergency medical care.
Risks
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In addition to minor side effects and the risk of interactions, Pulmozyme has the potential to cause serious medical complications. In some cases, Pulmozyme has been linked to cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including heart failure, pneumonia and respiratory failure. Pulmozyme also increases blood sugar levels, triggering the development of Type 2 diabetes in patients at risk for the disease. Inhalant treatments of Pulmozyme sometimes result in damage to your organs, including the gall bladder, liver and pancreas. It also contributes to the formation of blockages in the intestines.
Considerations
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If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction or sensitivity to a drug or product containing Chinese hamster ovary cells, you cannot take Ppulmozyme. Because there is not yet sufficient evidence that Pulmozyme has no unwanted effects on the fetus, doctors typically do not prescribe the drug for pregnant women. It also recommended that nursing mothers do not utilize Pulmozyme. The drug is also only given to children age 5 and older due to the risk of adverse reactions in younger children.
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