Skip to Accessibility Menu Skip to Login Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Daliresp (roflumilast)

Editorial Team's avatar image

By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: May 2023 | Last updated: July 2023

Daliresp® (roflumilast) is used in adults with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works to decrease the number of flare-ups or the worsening of COPD symptoms (exacerbations).1

Daliresp is a maintenance treatment taken in the form of an oral tablet. It is usually taken every day to help manage and control COPD symptoms. It cannot replace a rescue inhaler to treat sudden breathing problems.1

What are the ingredients in Daliresp?

The active ingredient in Daliresp is roflumilast.1

How does Daliresp work?

The active ingredient in Daliresp, roflumilast, is a PDE4 inhibitor. By blocking PDE4, Daliresp acts as an anti-inflammatory drug. It also works to relax smooth muscles in the airways. Inflammation and tightening of the muscles in the airway both play key roles in the development and exacerbation of COPD. By blocking these processes, Daliresp helps reduce COPD symptoms.1

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects include:1

  • Weight loss
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Back pain
  • Flu-like symptoms

Daliresp may also cause mental health problems, including thoughts of self-harm. Some people may develop mood or behavior problems, including:1

  • Thoughts of self-harm or dying
  • Attempts of self-harm
  • Trouble sleeping
  • New or worse anxiety or depression
  • Acting on dangerous impulses
  • Other unusual changes in behavior or mood

These are not all the possible side effects of Daliresp. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Daliresp. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Daliresp.

Other things to know

If you notice you are losing weight while taking Daliresp, contact your doctor right away. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking this drug if you lose too much weight.1

Before starting Daliresp, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • A history of mental health issues, especially depression or thoughts of self-harm
  • Liver problems

There is not enough data to know if Daliresp is safe to take while pregnant. You should also not breastfeed during treatment with Daliresp and for some time after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Dalirespt.1

Daliresp may interact with other medicines. Before beginning treatment for COPD, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Daliresp.