Pulmozyme dornase alfa 1 mg/mL Solution
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Recombinant Human Deoxyribonuclease 1 class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Dornase alfa is used to reduce the number of lung infections and to improve lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis. It breaks down the thick secretions in the airways, allowing air to flow better and preventing bacteria from building up. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Pulmozyme helps thin out the thick, sticky mucus that builds up in the airways because of CF. In CF, when your body's white blood cells fight infection and then break down, they re...
- What exactly does Pulmozyme do for cystic fibrosis?
- You breathe it in — not swallow it. Pulmozyme is inhaled through a nebulizer, which turns the liquid into a fine mist you breathe directly into your lungs through a mouthpiece or f...
- How do I use Pulmozyme — do I swallow it or breathe it in?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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0.15 mg / 1 mL
UNII M4I0D6VV5M
Calcium chloride is a salt compound that acts as a firming agent and source of calcium ions in medications. It's used in formulations to help maintain tablet structure, improve texture, or serve as a buffering agent.
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8.77 mg / 1 mL
UNII 451W47IQ8X
Sodium chloride is common table salt. It's used in medicines as a buffer to maintain proper pH, as a filler to add bulk, or to adjust the osmotic balance in liquid formulations.
2 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per mL | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $53.076 | $3,980.72 / 75 ml |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $51.49 | $3,862.06 / 75 ml |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $55.04 | $4,128.16 / 75 ml |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J7639 | $56.780 / J7639 unit | — |
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🧾 Billing & reimbursement
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulmozyme 1 mg/mLthis 50242-0100-40 | Genentech, | 5 pouches | $53.076 | — | Availability likely | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & biosimilar status
Biologics have no small-molecule generics; biosimilar competition is tracked in the FDA Purple Book.
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🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50242-0100-40 You're viewing this | 5 POUCH in 1 CARTON (50242-100-40) / 6 AMPULE in 1 POUCH (50242-100-39) / 2.5 mL in 1 AMPULE | 1993-12-30 | Active |
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PULMOZYME ® is indicated, in conjunction 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 parenteral antibiotics. PULMOZYME is a recombinant DNase enzyme indicated in conjunction with standard therapies for the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to improve pulmonary function.
( 1 )
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage is 2.5 mg (one single-dose ampule) inhaled once daily using a recommended nebulizer. ( 2.1 ) Some patients may benefit from twice daily administration. ( 2.1 ) See full prescribing information for the recommended nebulizers for use with PULMOZYME. ( 2.2 )
2.1Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage, in most cystic fibrosis patients, is 2.5 mg (one single-dose ampule) inhaled once daily using a recommended jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor system or via a vibrating mesh nebulizer [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Some patients may benefit from twice daily administration [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .
2.2Administration Instructions Nebulizer Information Administer PULMOZYME via a jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor with an adequate air flow and equipped with a mouthpiece or suitable face mask, or via a vibrating mesh nebulizer. Refer to Table 1 for the recommended Jet Nebulizers or Vibrating Mesh Nebulizers for use with PULMOZYME. No data are currently available to support the administration of PULMOZYME with other nebulizer systems.
The eRapid Nebulizer System should only be used by adults and pediatric patients who can use a mouthpiece, and not by younger patients who need a mask to inhale PULMOZYME. Use the selected nebulizer in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual. Refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual on the use, maintenance, and replacement of the equipment, including cleaning and disinfection procedures for the selected nebulizer.
For additional information, refer to the selected nebulizer manufacturer's instruction manual. Table 1. Recommended Jet Nebulizers or Vibrating Mesh Nebulizers for Use with PULMOZYME Jet Nebulizer Follow the selected nebulizer manufacturer's instruction manual.
Compressor Hudson T Up-draft II ® Pulmo-Aide ® or legally marketed compressor of identical pressure and flow rate (maximum 30 psi, 12 LPM). Marquest Acorn II ® PARI LC ® Plus PARI PRONEB ® or legally marketed compressor of identical pressure and flow rate (maximum 24 psi, 9 LPM). PARI BABY™ Patients who are unable to inhale or exhale orally throughout the entire nebulization period may use the PARI BABY™ nebulizer.
Durable Sidestream ® MOBILAIRE™, Porta-NEB ® or legally marketed compressor of identical pressure and flow rate (maximum 45 psi, 7 LPM). Vibrating Mesh Nebulizers eRapid ® Nebulizer System Consisting of the eRapid ® Nebulizer Handset with eBase™ Controller. Avoid use in patients who need a mask to inhale PULMOZYME.
Innospire Go Pulmogine Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer AireHealth Nebulizer™ Intelligent Mesh Nebulizer PULMOZYME Information Each PULMOZYME ampule should be squeezed prior to use in order to check for leaks. Discard ampules if the solution is cloudy or discolored. Once opened, the entire contents of the ampule must be used or discarded.
Do not dilute or mix PULMOZYME with other drugs in the nebulizer. Mixing of PULMOZYME with other drugs could lead to adverse physicochemical and/or functional changes in PULMOZYME or the admixed compound.
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Inhalation solution: 2.5 mg/2.5 mL (1 mg/mL) clear, colorless solution in single-dose ampules. Inhalation solution: 2.5 mg/2.5 mL (1 mg/mL) clear, colorless solution in single-dose ampules ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS PULMOZYME is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dornase alfa, Chinese Hamster Ovary cell products, or any component of the product. PULMOZYME is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dornase alfa, Chinese Hamster Ovary cell products, or any component of the product. ( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS None. None. ( 5 )
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (occurring in ≥3% of patients treated with PULMOZYME over placebo) seen in clinical trials in CF patients were: voice alteration, pharyngitis, rash, laryngitis, chest pain, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, decrease in FVC of ≥10%, fever, and dyspnea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below reflect exposure to PULMOZYME in 902 patients, with exposures ranging from 2 weeks of daily administration up to once or twice daily administration for six months. PULMOZYME was studied in both placebo-controlled (n=804) and uncontrolled trials (n=98).
The population of patients in placebo-controlled trials was with FVC ≥ 40% of predicted (n=643) or with more advanced pulmonary disease, FVC < 40% of predicted (n=161). The population in the uncontrolled trial included 98 pediatric patients with CF ranging from 3 months to 10 years of age. More than half of the patients received PULMOZYME 2.5 mg by inhalation once a day (n=581), while the rest of patients (n=321) received PULMOZYME 2.5 mg by inhalation twice a day.
Placebo-Controlled Trials Trial 1 : Trial 1 was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with FVC ≥ 40% of predicted. In this trial, over 600 patients received PULMOZYME once or twice daily for six months. The most common adverse reaction (risk difference ≥5%) was voice alteration.
The proportion of most adverse events was similar for patients on PULMOZYME and on placebo, probably reflecting the sequelae of the underlying lung disease. In most cases reactions that were increased were mild, transient in nature, and did not require alterations in dosing. Few patients experienced adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation from PULMOZYME, and the proportion of discontinuations were similar for placebo (2%) and PULMOZYME (3%).
Adverse reactions occurring in a higher proportion (greater than 3%) of PULMOZYME treated patients than in placebo-treated patients are listed in Table 2 . Trial 2 : Trial 2 was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with more advanced pulmonary disease (FVC < 40% of predicted) who were treated for 12 weeks. In this trial, the safety profile of PULMOZYME was similar to that reported in patients with less advanced pulmonary disease (FVC ≥ 40% of predicted).
Adverse reactions that were reported in this trial with a higher proportion (greater than 3%) in the PULMOZYME treated patients are listed in Table 2 . Table 2. Adverse Reactions Increased 3% or More in PULMOZYME Treated Patients Over Placebo in CF Clinical Trials Adverse Reactions (of any severity or seriousness) Trial 1 CF Patients with FVC ≥ 40% of predicted treated for 24 weeks Trial 2 CF Patients with FVC <40% of predicted treated for 12 weeks Placebo n=325 Pulmozyme QD n=322 Pulmozyme BID n=321 Placebo n=159 Pulmozyme QD n=161 Voice alteration 7% 12% 16% 6% 18% Pharyngitis 33% 36% 40% 28% 32% Rash 7% 10% 12% 1% 3% Laryngitis 1% 3% 4% 1% 3% Chest Pain 16% 18% 21% 23% 25% Conjunctivitis 2% 4% 5% 0% 1% Rhinitis Differences were less than 3% 24% 30% FVC decrease of ≥ 10% of predicted Single measurement only, does not reflect overall FVC changes.
17% 22% Fever 28% 32% Dyspepsia 0% 3% Dyspnea (when reported as serious) Differences were less than 3% 12% Total reports of dyspnea (regardless of severity or seriousness) had a difference of less than 3% in Trial 2. 17% Mortality rates observed in controlled trials were similar for the placebo and PULMOZYME treated patients. Causes of death were consistent with progression of cystic fibrosis and included apnea, cardiac arre…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Available data indicate there are no clinically important drug-drug interactions with PULMOZYME.
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with PULMOZYME in pregnant women. However, animal reproduction studies have been conducted with dornase alfa. In these studies, no evidence of fetal harm was observed in rats and rabbits at doses of dornase alfa up to approximately 600 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the cystic fibrosis population is unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2-4% and of miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data Reproductive studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at intravenous doses of dornase alfa up to 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 600 times the MRHD in adults).
In a combined embryo-fetal development and pre- and post-natal development study, no evidence of maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, or teratogenicity was observed when dornase alfa was administered to dams throughout organogenesis (Gestation days 6 to 17). Dornase alfa did not elicit adverse effects on fetal or neonatal growth when administered to dams throughout most of gestation and delivery (Gestation days 6 to 25) and nursing (Post-partum days 6 to 21). A pharmacokinetic study in Cynomolgus monkeys found no detectable levels of dornase alfa in fetal blood or amniotic fluid on gestation day 150 (end of gestation) from mothers that were administered an intravenous bolus dose (0.1 mg/kg) followed by an intravenous infusion dose (0.080 mg/kg) over a 6-hour period during pregnancy.
8.2Lactation Risk Summary It is not known whether PULMOZYME is present in human milk. In a pharmacokinetic study in Cynomolgus monkeys, levels of dornase alfa detected in milk were less than 0.1% of the maternal serum concentration at 24 hours after dosing [intravenous bolus dose (0.1 mg/kg) of dornase alfa followed by an intravenous infusion (0.080 mg/kg/hr) over a 6-hour period] on post-partum day 14. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for PULMOZYME and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from PULMOZYME or from the underlying maternal condition.
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of PULMOZYME in conjunction with standard therapies for cystic fibrosis have been established in pediatric patients. Use of PULMOZYME in pediatric patients is supported by evidence in the following age groups: Patients 5 to 17 years of age: Use of PULMOZYME in patients 5 to 17 years of age is supported by evidence from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 303 of clinically stable cystic fibrosis patients 5 to 17 years of age who received PULMOZYME [see Clinical Studies (14) ].
Patients less than 5 years : Use of PULMOZYME in patients less than 5 years of age is supported by extrapolation of efficacy data in patients 5 years of age and older with additional safety data in 65 pediatric patients aged 3 months to less than 5 years who received PULMOZYME 2.5 mg daily by inhalation for 2 weeks [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14) ] .
8.5Geriatric Use Cystic fibrosis is primarily a disease of children and young adults. Clinical studies of PULMOZYME did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 or older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with PULMOZYME in pregnant women. However, animal reproduction studies have been conducted with dornase alfa. In these studies, no evidence of fetal harm was observed in rats and rabbits at doses of dornase alfa up to approximately 600 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD).
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the cystic fibrosis population is unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2-4% and of miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data Reproductive studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at intravenous doses of dornase alfa up to 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 600 times the MRHD in adults).
In a combined embryo-fetal development and pre- and post-natal development study, no evidence of maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, or teratogenicity was observed when dornase alfa was administered to dams throughout organogenesis (Gestation days 6 to 17). Dornase alfa did not elicit adverse effects on fetal or neonatal growth when administered to dams throughout most of gestation and delivery (Gestation days 6 to 25) and nursing (Post-partum days 6 to 21). A pharmacokinetic study in Cynomolgus monkeys found no detectable levels of dornase alfa in fetal blood or amniotic fluid on gestation day 150 (end of gestation) from mothers that were administered an intravenous bolus dose (0.1 mg/kg) followed by an intravenous infusion dose (0.080 mg/kg) over a 6-hour period during pregnancy.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of PULMOZYME in conjunction with standard therapies for cystic fibrosis have been established in pediatric patients. Use of PULMOZYME in pediatric patients is supported by evidence in the following age groups: Patients 5 to 17 years of age: Use of PULMOZYME in patients 5 to 17 years of age is supported by evidence from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 303 of clinically stable cystic fibrosis patients 5 to 17 years of age who received PULMOZYME [see Clinical Studies (14) ].
Patients less than 5 years : Use of PULMOZYME in patients less than 5 years of age is supported by extrapolation of efficacy data in patients 5 years of age and older with additional safety data in 65 pediatric patients aged 3 months to less than 5 years who received PULMOZYME 2.5 mg daily by inhalation for 2 weeks [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14) ] .
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Cystic fibrosis is primarily a disease of children and young adults. Clinical studies of PULMOZYME did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 or older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action PULMOZYME is recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (rhDNase), an enzyme which selectively cleaves DNA. In preclinical in vitro studies, PULMOZYME hydrolyzes the DNA in sputum of CF patients and reduces sputum viscoelasticity. In CF patients, retention of viscous purulent secretions in the airways contributes both to reduced pulmonary function and to exacerbations of infection.
Purulent pulmonary secretions contain very high concentrations of extracellular DNA released by degenerating leukocytes that accumulate in response to infection.
12.3Pharmacokinetics When 2.5 mg PULMOZYME was administered by inhalation to eighteen CF patients, mean sputum concentrations of 3 µg/mL DNase were measurable within 15 minutes. Mean sputum concentrations declined to an average of 0.6 µg/mL two hours following inhalation. Inhalation of up to 10 mg TID of PULMOZYME by 4 CF patients for six consecutive days, did not result in a significant elevation of serum concentrations of DNase above normal endogenous levels.
After administration of up to 2.5 mg of PULMOZYME twice daily for six months to 321 CF patients, no accumulation of serum DNase was noted. Dornase alfa is expected to be metabolized by proteases present in biological fluids. A human intravenous dose study suggested an elimination half-life of 3-4 hours for dornase alfa.
PULMOZYME, 2.5 mg by inhalation, was administered daily to 98 patients aged 3 months to ≤ 10 years, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was obtained within 90 minutes of the first dose. BAL DNase concentrations were detectable in all patients but showed a broad range, from 0.007 to 1.8 µg/mL. Over an average of 14 days of exposure, serum DNase concentrations (mean ± s.d.) increased by 1.1 ± 1.6 ng/mL for the 3 months to < 5 year age group and by 0.8 ± 1.2 ng/mL for the 5 to ≤ 10 year age group.
The relationship between BAL or serum DNase concentration and adverse experiences and clinical outcomes is unknown.
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action PULMOZYME is recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (rhDNase), an enzyme which selectively cleaves DNA. In preclinical in vitro studies, PULMOZYME hydrolyzes the DNA in sputum of CF patients and reduces sputum viscoelasticity. In CF patients, retention of viscous purulent secretions in the airways contributes both to reduced pulmonary function and to exacerbations of infection.
Purulent pulmonary secretions contain very high concentrations of extracellular DNA released by degenerating leukocytes that accumulate in response to infection.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING PULMOZYME (dornase alfa) inhalation solution is a sterile, clear, colorless solution supplied in: 30 unit cartons containing 5 foil pouches of 6 single-dose ampules. Each 2.5 mL ampule contains 2.5 mg of dornase alfa (1 mg/mL): NDC 50242-100-40. Storage and Handling Store PULMOZYME ampules at a refrigerated temperature between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in their protective foil to protect from light and heat.
Once the protective foil pouch is opened, the unused ampules must be kept refrigerated in the protective foil pouch to protect from light and heat. Do not use beyond the expiration date stamped on the ampule. During transport, keep the ampules refrigerated in their protective foil pouch to protect from light and heat.
Do not use if the ampules are exposed to room temperature (22°C to 28°C [72°F to 82°F]) for more than a total of 60 hours. Avoid excessive heat and light.
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Storage and Handling Store PULMOZYME ampules at a refrigerated temperature between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in their protective foil to protect from light and heat. Once the protective foil pouch is opened, the unused ampules must be kept refrigerated in the protective foil pouch to protect from light and heat. Do not use beyond the expiration date stamped on the ampule.
During transport, keep the ampules refrigerated in their protective foil pouch to protect from light and heat. Do not use if the ampules are exposed to room temperature (22°C to 28°C [72°F to 82°F]) for more than a total of 60 hours. Avoid excessive heat and light.
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Dornase alfa is a recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (rhDNase) an enzyme which selectively cleaves DNA. The protein is produced by genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells containing DNA encoding for the native human protein, deoxyribonuclease I (DNase). The product is purified by column chromatography and tangential flow filtration.
The purified glycoprotein contains 260 amino acids with an approximate molecular weight of 37,000 daltons. The primary amino acid sequence is identical to that of the native human enzyme. PULMOZYME (dornase alfa) inhalation solution is administered by inhalation of an aerosol mist produced by a compressed air driven nebulizer or a recommended nebulizer system [see Clinical Studies (14) and Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .
PULMOZYME is a sterile, clear, colorless, highly purified solution in single-dose ampules. Each ampule delivers 2.5 mL of the solution to the nebulizer bowl. Each mL of aqueous solution contains 1 mg dornase alfa, calcium chloride dihydrate (0.15 mg) and sodium chloride (8.77 mg).
The solution contains no preservative. The nominal pH of the solution is 6.3.
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise patients to read the FDA-approved patient labeling ( Instructions for Use ). Preparation Advise patients to squeeze each ampule prior to use in order to check for leaks. The solution should be discarded if it is cloudy or discolored.
Once opened, the entire contents of the ampule must be used or discarded [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Drug Incompatibilities Instruct patients not to dilute or mix PULMOZYME with other drugs in the nebulizer. Mixing of PULMOZYME with other drugs could lead to adverse physicochemical and/or functional changes in PULMOZYME or the admixed compound [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .
Storage Instruct patients on the proper techniques to store and handle PULMOZYME [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) ]. Manufacturer's Instruction Manual Instruct patients to read and follow the manufacturer's instruction manual for the proper use and maintenance of the jet nebulizer/compressor system, or the vibrating mesh nebulizer used in PULMOZYME delivery.