Roflumilast is used to control and prevent symptoms
(wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD which includes bronchitis). It should be
used along with other medications (bronchodilators such as salmeterol,
ipratropium) to treat COPD. It works by reducing the irritation and
swelling of the airways. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can
decrease time lost from work or school.
This medication must be used regularly to be effective.
It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden
shortness of breath or wheezing. If sudden breathing problems occur, use
your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in
some countries) as prescribed.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient
Information Leaflet from your pharmacist before you start taking
roflumilast and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced
intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not
increase your dose, use this medication more often, or stop using it
without first consulting your doctor.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Diarrhea, weight loss, stomach/abdominal pain, nausea,
loss of appetite, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Check your weight regularly while taking this
medication. Tell your doctor right away of any unusual or extreme weight
loss.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as nervousness, depression,
thoughts of suicide)
- trouble sleeping
- shaking (tremors)
- fast/irregular heartbeat
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking roflumilast, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- cancer
- heart disease (such as heart failure)
- current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes)
- mental/mood disorders (depression, thoughts of suicide)
- unexplained/extreme weight loss
- immune system disorders (such as lupus, HIV)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some medications can affect the removal of roflumilast
from your body, which may affect how this product works. Examples include
rifamycins (such as rifampicin), drugs used to treat seizures (such as
carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
dizziness, fast/pounding heartbeat.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as lung function, weight)
may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.