DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Poractant Alfa

March 21, 2017

Poractant Alfa Endotracheopulmonary instillation, suspension

What is this medicine?

PORACTANT ALFA is a lung surfactant. Our bodies need lung surfactant to keep the lungs open during breathing. This medicine is used to treat Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in babies who are born early.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to poractant alfa, pork products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is applied to the lungs through a breathing tube. It is administered in a hospital by a specially trained health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • some inhaled antibiotics

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be watched closely while receiving this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • change in blood pressure

  • symptoms of infection

  • unusual bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • slowed heart rate

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert