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 Tim, and I'm 17. I'm going to be a junior in high school. Right now I run cross-country at school and road cycle almost every day in preparation for competitions. I'm also thinking about participating in one or two triathlons next year. I feel good that I can run and bike the distance. I can't say it's like being a normal person, because I don't know what that's like. But I guess it's the closest thing to it.
ABOUT MY TREATMENT:
I've been taking TOBI for the past 7 years. I think it has really helped me. I've never skipped a treatment of TOBI. It's drilled into me that I should do it every day, twice a day. It doesn't bother me or anything. I do it as soon as I wake up, and then around 7 or 8 at night. It doesn't take me long to set everything up and break it down. I have it down to a science.
When I'm taking TOBI, I usually listen to music or just read a book. My friends come around sometimes when I'm doing it. They just wait for me because they know I have to take it. They don't really say anything because they understand everything about CF now. None of my friends knew I had CF until last year when I told them. I was nervous that they'd think differently of me, but they seemed interested in learning about it. So I just showed them all the different treatments I take, and now they know what to expect when they come around.
ABOUT MY FUTURE:
I'm not sure what I'm going to do after high school. I wanted to go into the military, but people with CF can't join. I'm planning to keep pushing myself and hopefully I'll get into professional competitive cycling. If that works out, I might like to do things for CF, to help increase awareness and stuff.
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.
