Novartis Pharma US

      
 
 

This case represents the experience of a single TOBI® (Tobramycin Inhalation Solution, USP) patient. Individual treatment results may vary. Speak to your physician to see if TOBI is right for you.

About Me:
My name is Gabriella, I'm 22, and I just started my first job in New York City. I spent the summer traveling through Europe and hanging out with my friends. I love to shop, jog, and do yoga.

About TOBI:
I've been taking TOBI since I was young. I remember the first time I took it, I didn't like the taste. Plus, it seemed to add more time to my treatments. But I just got used to it. Skipping it was never an option.

I remember that I used to coordinate taking TOBI around my favorite TV shows at night. It takes about 20 minutes to do, which is the perfect time to watch a half-hour show. Plus, with lots of brothers and sisters, I got special treatment and could pick what I wanted to watch when I did my treatment. They let me get away with it though, because I have a great family.

Now that I'm working, I've found a way to take TOBI while I'm getting ready in the morning. It's nice to be able to multitask and get two things done at once. At night, I either go online or IM my friends. Thank goodness for IM, so I can focus on chatting with my friends without needing to actually talk. Other times my friends come over when I'm doing my treatments.

Advice for anyone starting TOBI:
Even if you don't like the taste or don't want to take it, you have to remember that taking TOBI is not an option. Stick with it, and you'll get used to it. You might try making a little deal with your parents, like every time you take it you get a little something like a piece of chocolate. It's worth it if it will get you to do it. I know growing up, after every doctor's appointment, my mom would bring me to the gift shop. Now I reward myself with a little shopping every time I go to the doctor.

On perseverance:
I'm not one of those people that quit. I'm not one of those people that would say "No, I'm not doing it." That goes for life, and for TOBI. I feel TOBI has helped me, and that I'm able to do things like travel. I can't say what would happen if I didn't have TOBI, but thank goodness I do.

 
 
 
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Please see full Prescribing Information.

Please see Patient Prescribing Information.

Information for Patients and Caregivers
Indication
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.

TBI-800101-B
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