ROFLUMILAST is a respiratory medicine that belongs to the class of 'phosphodiesterase inhibitors' primarily used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of progressive lung diseases. It is a long-term condition which makes you hard to take breathe. People with COPD have emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema destroys air sacs in the lungs, which interferes with the movement of outward airflow. Bronchitis allows mucus to build up in the bronchial tubes by causing inflammation and narrowing of the tubes.
ROFLUMILAST contains Roflumilast, which helps in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Roflumilast works by relaxing the airway in the lungs and making it easier to breathe. In addition to this, Roflumilast also helps treat the symptoms. It is generally a long-term treatment.
Take ROFLUMILAST with or without food or as directed by your doctor. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, bite, or break it. Your doctor will advise you how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition. You may experience diarrhoea, nausea, stomach ache, weight decrease and headache in some cases. Most of these side effects of ROFLUMILAST do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Try not to stop taking this medicine on your own. Do not stop taking ROFLUMILAST despite symptomatic relief. Treat your condition effectually, continue taking ROFLUMILAST for as long as it has been prescribed for you. Do not take this medicine if you have any moderate or severe liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking ROFLUMILAST if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman. Avoid consuming alcohol along with ROFLUMILAST. ROFLUMILAST is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
ROFLUMILAST contains Roflumilast, which helps in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Roflumilast works by relaxing the airway in the lungs and making it easier to breathe. In addition to this, roflumilast also helps treat the symptoms. It is generally a long-term treatment.
Do not use ROFLUMILAST in more than the prescribed doses, leading to severe heart or lung problems. After taking ROFLUMILAST, if you experience irregular heartbeats, leg cramps, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, or suicidal thinking and behaviour, please consult a doctor immediately. If you have cancer, heart disease, depression, inform your doctor before taking ROFLUMILAST. This medicine is recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Before taking ROFLUMILAST, inform your doctor if you are already on medications like theophylline, oral corticosteroids, methotrexate, enoxacin or cimetidine.
Drug-Drug Interactions: ROFLUMILAST interacts with medicine used to treat allergic disorders (methylprednisolone), a drug used to treat asthma (budesonide/formoterol), drugs used to treat seizures (carbamazepine, phenytoin)
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking ROFLUMILAST as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: ROFLUMILAST should be taken with caution if you have a hepatic impairment, depression and weight loss.
The interaction of ROFLUMILAST with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with ROFLUMILAST.
The safety of ROFLUMILAST in pregnant women is unknown and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
It is unknown whether ROFLUMILAST is excreted in human milk. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
ROFLUMILAST may cause blurred vision or dizziness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you notice any changes in vision or feel dizzy after taking ROFLUMILAST.
Do not take ROFLUMILAST if you have moderate or severe liver problems. ROFLUMILAST should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of ROFLUMILAST may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
If you have any concerns regarding the use of ROFLUMILAST in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
ROFLUMILAST should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
COPD: It is a group of progressive lung diseases, most commonly emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation and irritation of bronchial tubes). Initially, it may be mild, but it can lead to total blockage of airways and damage the lungs in severe cases. The major cause of COPD is smoking tobacco and exposure to air pollutants like asbestos and chemicals/fumes. Also, long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath or wheezing (whistle sound while breathing).