Nebupent

Nebupent is a prescription drug that is used in preventing PCP or pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a very serious condition.

This type of pneumonia usually affects patients with severely compromised immune systems, such as people with AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

The inhaled pentamidine is not used in the prevention of illness of body parts other than the lungs, but may be used for other conditions as advised by your doctor.

Before using Nebupent, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Using any prescription drug should be a decision you make with your doctor. 

When using this drug, you and your doctor must consider the following:

• Allergies: If you have any unusual reaction to any medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - food, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any. Read the package ingredients carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.

• Pediatric: No adequate studies done in children concerning the use of pentamidine. Nevertheless, inhalation of this drug may be recommended for children aged 5 years old and up who cannot be given any other antibiotics due to intolerance.

• Geriatric: No adequate studies are done to determine if there are effects on the elderly other than the side effects experienced by younger adults.

• Pregnancy: No adequate studies done in pregnant women.

• Breastfeeding: Although there are no adequate studies in lactating mothers that determine potential risk in an infant when breastfeeding, the benefits should be weighed against the risks before taking this medication.

• Drug Interactions: Some drugs have adverse effects when used together. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary. Before using this drug, talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking other medications.

  It is also important to inform your doctor if you are smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol since these may interact with the drug’s effectiveness. Inform your doctor about any drug you are using, prescription or nonprescription, including vitamins and herbal supplements.

• Other Medical Problems: If you have other medical problems, the use of this drug may be affected. Inform your doctor about any other medical problems, especially asthma, as using this drug may increase coughing or breathing difficulty.

To use Nebupent properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Regular Nebupent inhalation is necessary to help prevent the occurrence or return of pneumocystis pneumonia, regardless if you are feeling well.

Dosage generally depends on the severity of the condition and age of the patient. The following only includes average doses of this drug; follow your doctor’s orders even if it is different than the ones listed here.

Dosing:

For preventing PCP in adults and children 5 years old and above, take 300 mg inhaled orally, once every four weeks. The dose for children younger than 5 years old will be determined by the doctor.

Missed Dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. In case it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and follow your regular dosing schedule. Never take double doses.

Storage:

Keep the medicine in an airtight container at normal room temperature. Keep it away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not let it freeze. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.

Throw away any outdated medicine or medicine that are not in use. Keep the medicine in its original package until needed.

In using Nebupent, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. If apart from the Nebupent inhalation, you are also using an inhaled bronchodilator, use the Nebupent 5-10 minutes after using the bronchodilator, or as directed by your doctor.

Doing this will help minimize possible side effects. Do not use other medicines, including bronchodilator in the nebulizer that you use with the pentamidine.

When using this medicine, you may have a metallic or bitter taste. To reduce this problem, you may suck on a hard candy after each pentamidine treatment. Avoid cigarette smoking during therapy as smoking increases coughing and breathing difficulties.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Nebupent to avoid unwanted potential side effects. There are rare occasions when pneumocystis infections occur in body parts other than the lungs in patients under Nebupent treatment.

Discuss this possibility with your doctor if it concerns you. There are also some unwanted side effects that may occur during treatment. If any effects become bothersome, consult your doctor right away.