Do you also have COPD? Let's learn everything about Roflumilast tablets in a simple way!

Has your doctor told you that you have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)? Or does someone in your family suffer from this condition? You may not be able to do your daily tasks properly due to things like difficulty breathing and a persistent cough, right? Roflumilast is a special medicine that doctors recommend to control this COPD condition. You may know it by the brand name Daliresp. So, today we will talk very simply and friendly about these Roflumilast tablets, that is, what it does, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.

What exactly does this drug called Roflumilast do?

Simply put, Roflumilast is a medicine that reduces inflammation in your lungs, that is, your airways. Imagine that your airways are swollen and narrowed from the inside. Then it's hard to breathe, right? The main function of this medicine is to reduce that swelling and open up your airways a little. This makes it easier for you to breathe.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he/she will need to know the full details of your health condition. This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor without hiding anything .

• If you have liver disease: The liver plays a major role in digesting and eliminating medications that enter our bodies. So if there is any weakness in the liver, these medications may accumulate in the body unnecessarily and increase side effects.
• If you have a mental health problem: If you have had a condition like depression or anxiety in the past, or are currently taking treatment, be sure to tell your doctor. This medicine can affect the mental state of some people.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine, Roflumilast or any other medicine, food, or dye: Tell us about any previous reactions to any medicine that caused you to have a rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: Any medication should be taken with extreme caution during pregnancy, so be sure to inform your doctor about your condition.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: Some medications can pass to your baby through breast milk, so talk to your doctor about this as well.

How to use the medicine correctly?

This is also very important. To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.

• Oral tablet: This is a regular tablet that you take with a glass of water.
• Take it on time: Try to take this medicine at the same time every day , just as your doctor told you. Once you make this a habit, you're less likely to forget.
• Before or after food?: This pill can be taken with or without food. However, some people may experience mild stomach discomfort and nausea after taking it. If that happens to you, take the pill with a meal. This will reduce the discomfort to a great extent.
• Do not stop: Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking it tomorrow just because you feel better today. This is a long-term medication.
• Is this medicine safe for children?: This medicine is not usually given to children. It requires special medical advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

We all forget to take our medicine sometimes. If that happens, don't worry.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take double doses to make up for a missed dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, take action immediately.

Go to the nearest hospital ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. It is very important to take the medicine list with you in such a situation.

Side effects that may occur when taking medication

Like any medicine, Roflumilast can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of them. Let's break them down into two categories.

This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Other medications you are taking can affect the way Roflumilast works. Roflumilast can also change the way other medications work.

So when you go to see your doctor, tell him about everything you use.

That means:

• Medicines prescribed by doctors for other diseases
• Over-the-counter medications (e.g. painkillers) from the pharmacy
• Vitamins and nutritional supplements
• Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicine
• If you smoke or drink alcohol, tell us about it too.

Based on this information, your doctor will change your treatment plan if necessary.

How do you store and dispose of medication?

Storage

• Keep it out of reach of children and pets . It is best to keep it in a cupboard where ashes are kept.
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
• Do not use expired medicine.

Removal

It is not appropriate to simply throw expired or no longer needed medication in the trash or flush it down the toilet.

• Ask your doctor how to properly dispose of these. Some hospitals have special programs for this.
• If that is not possible, you can remove the tablets from their packaging, crush them, mix them with used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and place them in a tightly sealed bag and throw them in the trash. This will reduce the chance that a child or animal will put them in their mouths.