Roflumilast (500mg)

Chronic respiratory diseases are a growing public health concern in India. Conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly impact daily functioning, work productivity, and overall quality of life. Persistent cough, breathlessness, frequent exacerbations, and hospital visits are common challenges faced by COPD patients, especially those with a history of smoking or long-term exposure to air pollution.

Modern respiratory management focuses not only on symptom relief but also on reducing inflammation and preventing disease exacerbations. FLUROMILAST 500, containing Roflumilast 500 mcg, is an advanced oral anti-inflammatory medicine designed specifically to reduce COPD flare-ups in patients with severe disease and chronic bronchitis.

FLUROMILAST 500 is a prescription oral medication that contains Roflumilast 500 micrograms (mcg). It belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors, which specifically target inflammation in the lungs.

Composition of FLUROMILAST 500

• Active Ingredient: Roflumilast 500 mcg

• Dosage Form: Oral tablet

FLUROMILAST 500 is not a bronchodilator or steroid. Instead, it works at a cellular level to reduce inflammation and prevent worsening of COPD symptoms.

How FLUROMILAST 500 Works (Mechanism of Action)

Roflumilast acts by selectively inhibiting the phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) enzyme, which plays a key role in the inflammatory process of the lungs.

Mechanism Explained Simply

• PDE-4 is involved in breaking down cyclic AMP (cAMP) in inflammatory cells

• Roflumilast increases cAMP levels inside these cells

• Higher cAMP levels suppress the release of inflammatory mediators

• This leads to reduced airway inflammation and fewer COPD exacerbations

Key Points

• Does not provide immediate relief from breathlessness

• Works as a preventive anti-inflammatory therapy

• Reduces frequency and severity of COPD flare-ups

Uses of FLUROMILAST 500

FLUROMILAST 500 is primarily indicated for:

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Used in patients with severe COPD

• Especially beneficial in those with chronic bronchitis

• Helps reduce frequent exacerbations

2. Prevention of COPD Exacerbations

• Lowers the risk of sudden worsening of symptoms

• Reduces hospital admissions and emergency visits

3. Add-On Therapy

• Prescribed alongside bronchodilators (LABA, LAMA) and inhaled corticosteroids

• Not used as monotherapy

Benefits of FLUROMILAST 500

1. Reduces COPD Flare-Ups

Clinical studies show that Roflumilast significantly decreases the frequency of exacerbations in high-risk COPD patients.

2. Targets Inflammation at Its Source

Unlike bronchodilators that relax airways, FLUROMILAST 500 reduces underlying inflammation.

3. Improves Long-Term Disease Control

Helps slow disease progression and stabilizes lung function over time.

4. Steroid-Sparing Effect

May reduce the need for frequent oral steroid use.

5. Oral Once-Daily Therapy

Convenient dosing improves patient adherence.

Dosage of FLUROMILAST 500

Recommended Adult Dosage

• 500 mcg once daily

• Taken at the same time each day

How to Take FLUROMILAST 500

• Can be taken with or without food

• Swallow the tablet whole with water

• Do not crush or chew

Missed Dose

• Take as soon as remembered

• Skip if close to next dose

• Do not double the dose

Duration of Treatment

• Long-term therapy as advised by a physician

• Benefits may take several weeks to become noticeable

Side Effects of FLUROMILAST 500

Like all medicines, FLUROMILAST 500 may cause side effects in some patients.

Common Side Effects

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Weight loss

• Headache

Less Common Side Effects

• Abdominal pain

• Reduced appetite

• Sleep disturbances

Rare but Serious Side Effects

• Mood changes, anxiety, or depression

• Suicidal thoughts (rare but important to monitor)

Patients should inform their doctor immediately if they notice significant mood changes or unexplained weight loss.

Precautions and Warnings

1. Mental Health Monitoring

• Use with caution in patients with depression or psychiatric illness

2. Weight Monitoring

• Regular weight checks recommended

3. Liver Disease

• Contraindicated in moderate to severe liver impairment

4. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Use only if clearly advised by a doctor

5. Not for Acute Relief

• Not intended for sudden breathing difficulty or asthma attacks

Drug Interactions

FLUROMILAST 500 may interact with:

• Rifampicin

• Phenytoin

• Carbamazepine

• Certain antifungal and antibiotic medicines

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking.

Lifestyle & Patient Care Tips

• Quit smoking completely

• Avoid air pollution and occupational irritants

• Continue inhalers as prescribed

• Maintain proper nutrition

• Follow pulmonary rehabilitation if advised

Why Choose FLUROMILAST 500?

• Advanced Anti-Inflammatory Therapy for COPD

• Clinically Proven to Reduce Exacerbations

• Once-Daily Oral Convenience

• Improves Long-Term Disease Stability

• Trusted Choice for Severe COPD Patients

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C

• Protect from moisture and light

• Keep out of reach of children

Conclusion

FLUROMILAST 500 (Roflumilast 500 mcg) represents a targeted, modern approach to COPD management, focusing on controlling chronic inflammation and preventing disease exacerbations rather than just symptom relief. For patients with severe COPD and frequent flare-ups, it plays a crucial role in improving disease stability, reducing hospital visits, and enhancing quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. What is FLUROMILAST 500 used for?

It is used to reduce flare-ups in severe COPD patients with chronic bronchitis.

Q2. Is FLUROMILAST 500 a steroid?

No, it is a PDE-4 inhibitor, not a steroid.

Q3. Can FLUROMILAST 500 relieve breathlessness immediately?

No, it is not a rescue medication.

Q4. Can FLUROMILAST 500 be taken long term?

Yes, it is designed for long-term use under medical supervision.

Q5. Does FLUROMILAST 500 cause weight loss?

Mild weight loss may occur in some patients.

Q6. Can elderly patients take FLUROMILAST 500?

Yes, with proper monitoring.

Q7. Should inhalers be stopped when taking this medicine?

No, it is used as add-on therapy.