Has anyone any experience of using Roflumilast? I know that it is not "licensed" as a prescription drug in Britain unless you are taking part in a clinical trial, but is used in Europe and America.
The 'obstructive' element of my COPD seems to be getting worse and I wondered if it was worth getting a private prescription to give it a try.
Can't help I'm afraid but I saw stilltruckin put something on about this a couple of weeks ago which looked helpful healthunlocked.com/blf/post...
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/250...
Quote:
'. . . This analysis shows that patients treated with roflumilast to reduce exacerbation risk may also experience small but significant improvements in dyspnea, with accompanying improvements in lung function.'
Hi Stilltruckin. Thanks for your reply and many interesting posts.
I noticed that you started using this medication about two years ago. Are you still using it? And have you any observations about its effect?
I weigh 44kg so thought half a tablet would be sufficient.
Hi BelleBea. Yes, I'm still using roflumilast. I figure half a tab is enough for me, particularly in light of the cost. In a clinical trial 250 mcg was 70% as effective as the full 500 mcg dose for FEV1 improvement, and a lower body weight means a lower dose requirement.
Roflumilast isn't a bronchodilator, so there's no noticeable effect in the short term. I did feel some improvement within the first couple of weeks, but that may have been the placebo effect for all I know. Now of course I just feel 'normal' and trust it's working as advertised, at least to some extent.
I don't fit the official target patient type which is people with chronic bronchitis and frequent exacerbations, however: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/264...
Thanks for the information Stilltruckin.
I don't fit the 'official target' either. For nearly two years I had frequent infections (excacerbations) involving many anti-biotics and steroids but since discovering carbocysteine, postural drainage exercises and using Azythromycin daily I have got rid of the bugs and have not had an infection for two years.
Will probably give it a go for a month or two and see if it helps.
By the way, I too had trouble with my sinuses for most of my life. I have no problem with these now since using Neilmed sinus wash - carbocysteine probably helped with this too.
Best wishes.
Hi BellaBea, the brand names for Roflumilast are Daxas and Daliresp. I take 1/2 of a 500 mcg tablet every other day as prescribed by my Dr. I have not had any side effects so far.
Breath easy exercise often.
Cheers Dave from the LoS.
so have I no side affects so far i think it does curb appetite.
Ah, but does it help your breathing?
Thanks for your reply Yorkie. Have you found any improvement in your condition since taking Roflumilast?
Am seriously considering giving it a go.
I have emphysema, I have a chest infection,on steroids and antibiotics,
Aligning the upper age for NHS prescription charge exemptions with the State Pension age.
FRUSTRATING FEW WEEKS.
Discussion with pharmacist 
They seek it here, they seek it there, but Uniphyllin is nowhere!
