Daliresp (roflumilast)

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: February 2022 | Last updated: March 2022

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. This means it blocks the action of PDE4. This is an enzyme that plays a key role in pathways that affect the immune system and inflammatory response. PDE4 also impacts smooth muscle relaxation in the body, including smooth muscle relaxation in the airways.1

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

What are the possible side effects of Daliresp?

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 or if you experience any changes that concern you during treatment with Daliresp.

Things to know about Daliresp

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. Women who are breastfeeding should not take Daliresp as it is likely excreted into breast milk and the effects on a baby are not known. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.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.

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