Tobi Podhaler

Tobramycin, also known and sold under the trade name of Tobi Podhaler, is a product which belongs to a group of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics. 

It is used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis caused by a certain bacteria - Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 

It is considered to work by stopping the growth-process of the bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is considered to be the cause of cystic fibrosis. It is available in the forms of a solution and a capsule.

Before using Tobi Podhaler, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together, will have to make.

During the consultations with your doctor, it is important to inform the doctor about:

Allergies: Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or no prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to any specific type of food, dye, fabric and etc.

Pediatric: There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in pediatric patients. Because of this, it should be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Geriatric: There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in geriatric patients. Because of this, it should be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks. 

Pregnancy: Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. 

Proper studies done have shown that there is a risk to the fetus when this medication is used during pregnancy. Because of this, it should be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Breastfeeding: Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers. 

It is unknown if it is extracted in the milk, or how would it affect the infant. Because of this, it should be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Drug interactions: Inform the doctor if you are currently using any other medications, prescribed or no prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. 

This is important because certain medication should not be used in a combination with others, because of the possibility that certain interactions could occur. 

However, sometimes the doctor may decide to use a certain type of a combination including two or more medications to treat your condition if he or she considers that combination to prove as beneficial regarding your condition. 

Other interactions: Certain medications should not be used in a combination with specific type of food, tobacco, and alcohol. Because of this, it is important to get informed if there is a need for you to follow a specific type of diet and discontinue your use of tobacco and/or alcohol.

Other medical problems: Inform the doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems and conditions. 

Especially, inform the doctor if there are any of the following conditions present – allergy to aminoglycoside antibiotics, breathing problems, kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s disease, or problems with hearing or balance.

To use Tobi Podhaler properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. The capsules should not be swallowed. They should be used with a special inhaler.

Usually, the treatment lasts for 28 days, and then there is a period of 28 days when you do not inhale this medication. The dose is individual for every patient, prescribed by the doctor and based on your condition and the prognosis of the condition. 

The usual dose is two capsules – two inhalations a day, apart from with 12 hours. Use it regularly in order to get the most beneficial effects from its use. If you forget to use this medication, use it as soon as you remember, but if the time for the next dose is near, wait and take the next one. 

This medication is harmful if the capsule is swollen. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, inform the doctor as soon as possible for further directions.

Before using Tobi Podhaler, there are some precautions you must take. Visit your doctor at your scheduled appointments so that he or she would be able to track your condition and make any adjustments if necessary. 

These adjustments may refer to the dose – e.g. the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose, or to the treatment itself – the doctor may decide to discontinue the treatment if there are any serious side effects present or if your condition does not improve or worsens. 

Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or no prescribed. This is important because this medication may contain inactive substances that could cause certain interactions to occur. 

Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant. This is important because this medication should not be used during pregnancy, due to the studies that confirm the risk to the fetus from its use during pregnancy. 

If you have any plans about pregnancy in the near future, the doctor may advise you to start using a proven form of birth control to help prevent pregnancy during the treatment. Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. 

The doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers. Tobramycin may cause live bacterial vaccines not to work. 

Because of this, it is not recommended to have any immunizations/vaccinations during the treatment with this medication.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Tobi Podhaler. These side effects do not appear within all patients, and could be mild or more serious. 

Based on the present side effects, the doctor may decide to discontinue the treatment with this product – if there are serious side effects present which would cause your condition to worsen or make some adjustments to the dose. 

However, it is essential to get informed about the potential side effects so that you would be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor as soon as possible. 

• Common side effects – hoarseness, cough, dry mouth, difficulty speaking, change in taste, or changes in the voice. These side effects are common and are not considered to be serious. However, they persist or worsen, inform the doctor as soon as possible.

• Serious side effects – signs of hearing damage, dizziness, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, coughing up blood, or chest tightness/wheezing. These are considered as serious side effects about whose presence you must inform the doctor right away. 

A very serious allergic reaction is not common, but if you notice any of the following symptoms, inform the doctor right away – skin rash, itching/swelling of the hands/feet/face/tongue, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness.