Here are some tips for parents to help with TOBI treatment.
As a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, it's important to remember that TOBI® (Tobramycin Inhalation Solution, USP)
is proven to work when it's taken as directed. Here are some things to keep in mind:
TOBI should be taken twice a day as close to 12 hours apart as possible,
no less than 6 hours apart
TOBI is indicated for children ages 6 and older. Everyone who takes TOBI needs to follow
the 28-days-on/28-days-off treatment cycle. The treatment cycle is the same for all
people taking TOBI. It includes taking TOBI twice daily, as prescribed
When the TOBI treatment cycle is followed, it could mean fewer days in the hospital
When TOBI is taken as directed, it can help improve lung function
The Katz parents have learned how to help Enid and Jeremy make TOBI a part of their lives. Read their story here.
Tips for talking to the teacher or other school faculty about cystic fibrosis and
TOBI:
Keep the teacher updated on the child's medical condition
Let the teacher know what warning signs to look for in case of a medical
problem while the child is at school
If physical education is a requirement, talk to the physical education teacher
about modifying your child's program if necessary
Tell the teacher that access to the bathroom or school nurse is necessary and
shouldn't be made into an issue. Also, it may be important for the child to
have access to fluids
Ask the teacher not to draw attention to any coughing that the child can't
prevent. If the teacher accepts the coughing as normal, the class will likely
follow the lead
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.
