Roflumilast
Information about Roflumilast
Roflumilast uses
Roflumilast is used to prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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
Headache, Weight loss, Dizziness, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Back pain, Nausea, Diarrhea, Decreased appetite, Anxiety, Tremors, Abdominal pain, Hypersensitivity, Vertigo, Palpitations, Stomach inflammation, Vomiting, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, Indigestion, Rash, Muscle spasm, Muscle weakness, Muscle pain, General discomfort, Weakness, Fatigue, Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Breast enlargement in male, Suicidal behaviors, Depression, Nervousness, Panic attacks, Difficulty in swallowing, Respiratory tract infection, Rectal bleeding, Constipation, Red spots or bumps, Increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level in blood, Increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, Increased aspartate aminotransferase
Available Medicine 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
Roflumilast
Q. Is Roflumilast a methylxanthine?
No. Roflumilast is not a methylxanthine and works via a different mechanism of action
Q. Is Roflumilast available in India?
Yes. Roflumilast is available in India in the form of 500 mcg tablet
Q. Is Roflumilast a steroid/ narcotic?
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