An understanding of cystic fibrosis is important when learning about Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infections.
What is cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic
disease. It affects the way in which salt and water move in and out of the body’s cells. In cystic fibrosis patients, thick mucus causes blockages of small tubes and ducts in the body. This mostly affects the lungs and the digestive system. When someone has cystic fibrosis, chloride (part of what makes up salt) cannot pass through the cells normally. And more sodium (the other part of salt) may be pumped through the cells than usual—at least in the lungs. Both of these problems may cause lung mucus and fluid to be thicker and stickier than normal and sweat to be saltier than normal.
What causes cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is present from birth, yet signs may not show up for weeks, months, or years afterward. Everyone has 2 genes when they are born that determine whether or not they have cystic fibrosis. Both of these genes need to be abnormal for someone to have cystic fibrosis. The only way to get cystic fibrosis is to inherit 1 cystic fibrosis gene from each parent. Typically, each parent of a cystic fibrosis patient has only 1 cystic fibrosis gene and does not have cystic fibrosis.
What does cystic fibrosis do to the lungs?
People with cystic fibrosis have airway secretions that are drier, stickier, and harder to clear than normal secretions. This thick mucus can block the bronchial tubes in the lungs, and can lead to gradual blockage, infection, and lung damage.
For more information about cystic fibrosis, please visit CFvoice.com or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at cff.org.
Information for Patients and Caregivers
TOBI® (Tobramycin Inhalation Solution, USP) is a prescription inhaled medication for cystic fibrosis patients whose lungs contain bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. TOBI has not been studied in patients under 6 years of age, in those with a lung function outside of a certain range, or in those whose lungs contain bacteria called Burkholderia cepacia. Ask your doctor if TOBI is right for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
If you are allergic to antibiotics in the same family as TOBI (ie, aminoglycosides), you should not take TOBI. Tell your doctor before starting treatment if you have any history of hearing, kidney, balance, or muscle problems.
Patients taking TOBI may have temporary side effects like coughing or difficulty breathing.
Some people taking TOBI experienced ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or changes in
voice (hoarseness)
.
Ringing in the ears may be a warning sign for hearing loss. If you
have ringing in the ears, changes in hearing, or dizziness, you should tell your doctor.
In studies, kidney damage was not seen in patients taking TOBI. However, antibiotics in the same family as TOBI have been linked to kidney damage.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding, talk with your doctor before taking TOBI.
Some drugs may interact with TOBI. Discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor.
Patients with cystic fibrosis can have many symptoms. Some of these may be related to your medications. You should tell your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
