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Roflumilast
INFORMATION ABOUT ROFLUMILAST
Roflumilast Uses
Roflumilast is used to prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
How Roflumilast works
Roflumilast works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the airways. This opens the airways and makes breathing easier.
Common side effects of Roflumilast
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Headache, Weight loss, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Nausea, Diarrhea, Decreased appetite, Abdominal pain
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Sakshi Jain
MS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
05 Dec 2024 | 09:31 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Roflumilast
Expert advice for Roflumilast
- Roflumilast is not effective and should not be used for sudden attacks of breathlessness (acute bronchospasm).
- You should not take roflumilast if you have a history of depression and suicidal behavior/thoughts.
- You should have your weight monitored regularly. Stop taking roflumilast and seek advice if you experience unexplained and significant weight loss while on treatment.
- Roflumilast controls COPD but does not cure it. It is important to continue taking roflumilast even if you feel well unless advised otherwise.
- Roflumilast may cause dizziness, which can aggravate with alcohol intake. Do not drive or operate any machinery until you feel fine.
- You should not take roflumilast if you have any serious disease affecting your immune system (HIV, multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) or if you are receiving treatments that act on your immune system for certain cancers or serious infections.
- Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Roflumilast
No. Roflumilast is not a methylxanthine and works via a different mechanism of action
Yes. Roflumilast is available in India in the form of 500 mcg tablet
No. Roflumilast belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. It does not have a chemical structure or effects similar to steroids. It does not induce sleep and is not a narcotic drug
Roflumilast is used as a maintenance treatment for severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of lung disorders in which the flow of air to the lungs is blocked) in patients with frequent worsening of COPD symptoms (COPD exacerbations) and with long-term inflammation of airways (chronic bronchitis)
Roflumilast is used to prevent worsening of symptoms in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of lung disorders in which the flow of air to the lungs is blocked) and long-term inflammation of airways (chronic bronchitis)
Roflumilast may need to be taken for several weeks to achieve its effects and may vary upon individual response. Please follow advice of your doctor regarding dose and duration.