Daliresp (roflumilast)

- Company: Forest Pharmaceuticals

- Treatment for: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

- First approved February 28th, 2011

It’s taken daily as a pill to decrease the frequency of flare-ups or worsening of symptoms from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD is a serious lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Symptoms can include : Dyspnea(Shortness of Breath) , cyanosis , barrel chest , chronic cough and excessive phlegm leading to bronchit. An exacerbation can last up to several weeks and result in lung function decline , increased risk of death , and may be associated with severe anxiety.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States

lungs become enlarged, the diaphragm is displaced downward and is unable to contract efficiently

alveoli lose their elasticity, forced exhalation increases pressure on the lungs and causes airways to collapse

• Mechanism of Action

• Daliresp (roflumilast) is a selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. Inhibition of PDE4 activity leads to accumulation of intracellular cyclic AMP. While the specific mechanism(s) by which Daliresp exerts its therapeutic action in COPD patients is not well defined, it is thought to be related to the effects of increased intracellular cyclic AMP in lung cells

• Inhibition of PDE4 activity reduces the release of inflammation mediators and can counteract damage to tissue, allowing respiratory muscles to relax and therefore potentially improving lung function.

• The recommended initial dose is is one 500 microgram (mcg) tablet per day, with or without food.

• Side Effects

• •diarrhea• •weight decrease • •nausea • •headache • •back pain • •influenza • •insomnia • •dizziness • •decreased appetite