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Dornase Alfa

Supportive Care

Brand names:

Pulmozyme®

Often used for:

Cystic fibrosis

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What is dornase alfa?

Dornase alfa works to reduce the thickness of mucus in the lungs. It can help the lungs work better and lower the number of lung infections. 

A machine called a nebulizer is needed to take dornase alfa. The machine turns the medicine into a mist. You breathe in the mist through your mouth, and it goes into your lungs.

This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home. 

Brain

Given as a liquid mist to inhale by mouth using a nebulizer 

 
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Possible side effects

  • Voice changes
  • Sore throat  
  • Cough
  • Chest pain 
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose
  • Skin rash
  • Fever
  • Indigestion
  • Inflammation of the eye (pink eye)

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take dornase alfa will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist. 

  • Your nurse, doctor, or respiratory therapist will show you how to use dornase alfa in your nebulizer machine. 
  • You will also learn how to clean the machine before and after each use.
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

Dornase alfa at home:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before you get the dose ready to use.
  • Do not put any other medicine in the nebulizer with dornase alfa.
  • Only use each medicine container once, even if you do not use all the medicine in a container. After using the medicine container, throw it away in the trash.
  • Do not use the medicine if it looks cloudy, is a different color than normal, or has anything floating in it. Do not use a medicine container that is leaking.
  • Protect from heat and light. Keep the medicine in its foil pouch to protect it from light. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • If removed from the refrigerator, do not leave the medicine at room temperature for longer than 60 hours.
  • In case of a missed dose, give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Learn more about dornase alfa

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: June 2025