Tobi (tobramycin inhalation)

Tobi generic

Tobi is a brand-name drug that contains the active ingredient tobramycin. This active ingredient is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.

Generics are considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. They tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Tobi Podhaler is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

If you’re interested in using the generic form of Tobi, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if it comes in forms and strengths that can be used for your condition.

Tobi dosage

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Tobi is an inhalation solution. It comes in ampules that you inhale using a nebulizer, which is a machine that turns the liquid solution into a mist that you inhale. Each ampule contains 300 milligrams (mg) of the drug per 5 milliliters (mL) of solution.

Tobi Podhaler is an inhalation powder. It comes in capsules that you inhale using an inhaler device. Each capsule contains 28 mg of the drug.

A healthcare professional will show you how to use Tobi or Tobi Podhaler.

Detailed instructions are also included in the labeling for Tobi and Tobi Podhaler. Additionally, the manufacturer’s website offers a video on how to use Tobi Podhaler.

Dosage for cystic fibrosis

The recommended dosage of Tobi is one 300-mg ampule inhaled using a nebulizer twice daily for 28 days, alternating with 28 days of not taking any doses. You’ll continue this cycle (4 weeks on, 4 weeks off) as long as your doctor recommends.

The recommended dosage of Tobi Podhaler is four 28-mg capsules inhaled using the Podhaler device, twice daily for 28 days. You will alternate this with 28 days of no doses. You’ll continue this cycle (4 weeks on, 4 weeks off) as long as your doctor recommends.

Children’s dosage

The dosages for Tobi and Tobi Podhaler for children ages 6 years and older are the same as the adult dosages. See the section just above for details.

About using Tobi

Below, you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

• When to take: You should use Tobi or Tobi Podhaler twice a day, as close to 12 hours apart as possible. For example, you may take your first dose around 7 am and your second dose around 7 pm. Inhaling the medication every 12 hours helps keep a steady level of it in your lungs. This helps Tobi work effectively. Keep in mind that this medication is used in cycles of 4 weeks on, then 4 weeks off. For details, see the “Dosage section.”
• If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose of Tobi or Tobi Podhaler, take it as soon as possible. However, if your next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next regular dose at your usual time. Doses of Tobi and Tobi Podhaler should always be at least 6 hours apart. If you have questions about what to do if you miss a dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Length of use: Tobi is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Tobi is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
• Length of time to work: Tobi starts working shortly after your first dose. It may take a few weeks before it can help improve lung function. Your doctor can tell you more details about how and when they’ll measure your lung function to determine if the medication is working as expected for you.

Overdose

Do not use more Tobi than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Tobi side effects

Tobi can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while using Tobi. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Tobi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Tobi, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Tobi. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or view the prescribing information for Tobi and Tobi Podhaler.

Mild side effects of Tobi can include:

• increased cough
• sore throat
• more mucus than usual
• shortness of breath
• bringing up bloody mucus
• voice changes
• changes in lung function
• changes in your sense of taste
• rash

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Tobi aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

• Bronchospasm, which may include symptoms such as:
  • sudden or severe shortness of breath
  • wheezing
  • chest tightness
• Hearing or ear problems, which may include symptoms such as:
  • tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • hearing loss
  • dizziness
  • trouble with balance
• Nerve damage, which may cause symptoms such as:
  • muscle weakness
  • numbness or tingling sensations
• Kidney damage, which may cause:
  • decreased urination
  • fluid retention
  • kidney failure

Side effects in children

Tobi and Tobi Podhaler are FDA-approved for use in children ages 6 years and older with cystic fibrosis (CF) and Pseudomonas infection.

The side effects of Tobi and Tobi Podhaler are similar for both adults and children. Your child’s doctor will watch for side effects using blood tests and hearing tests regularly throughout treatment. If you have questions about side effects or if side effects seem severe or don’t go away, talk with your child’s doctor.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Tobi can cause an allergic reaction.

But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Tobi inhalation solution and Tobi Podhaler.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Tobi, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Tobi uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Tobi to treat certain conditions. Tobi may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Tobi for managing Pseudomonas in people with cystic fibrosis

Tobi is FDA-approved for use in adults and children ages 6 years and older with cystic fibrosis (CF) to manage a bacterial infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

CF is an inherited condition that causes a thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs. Bacteria or other germs can grow in this mucus and cause lung infections.

Pseudomonas is one of the most common lung infections in people with CF. It’s usually a long-term infection. If Pseudomonas infection isn’t properly managed, the damage in the lungs can worsen. Inhaled medications, such as Tobi, can be used to manage the infection and improve lung function.

It isn’t known if Tobi or Tobi Podhaler are safe or effective in the following people with CF:

• children younger than 6 years
• people with certain lower or higher FEV1 scores on a lung function test (FEV1 is a measure of how much air you can exhale in one second.)
• people colonized with the bacteria Burkholderia cepacia (colonized means the bacteria is present in your body but not causing signs or symptoms of an infection.)

Tobi and children

Tobi is FDA-approved for children ages 6 years and older with CF to manage a bacterial infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Tobi interactions

Tobi can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Before starting Tobi, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Interactions with medications, foods, and supplements

Below is a list of medications, supplements, and foods that can interact with Tobi. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Tobi. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Tobi. It’s likely safe for some people to consume alcohol in moderation while using Tobi.

If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe for you to drink while using Tobi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Tobi cost and coupons

As with all medications, the cost of Tobi can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Financial and insurance assistance:If you need financial support to pay for Tobi, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called Podcare+ is available for Tobi Podhaler. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 877-999-8624 or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Tobi is available in a generic form called tobramycin inhalation solution. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of tobramycin inhalation solution compares to the cost of Tobi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Tobi Podhaler is not available in a generic form.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Similar drugs

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Tobi, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Tobi:

• amikacin inhalation (Arikayce)
• aztreonam inhalation (Cayston)
• tobramycin inhalation (Bethkis, Kitabis Pak)
• tobramycin inhalation solution (generic)

Things to consider when using Tobi

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy, birth control, and breastfeeding.

Tobi and pregnancy

There may be risks with using Tobi during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having unmanaged Pseudomonas infection while pregnant.

Tobramycin (the active ingredient in Tobi) may cause problems with fetal development, including congenital deafness (born without the ability to hear). However, Tobi is an inhaled medication and very little of the active ingredient passes into the blood or fetus.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about potential treatments. Together, you can consider the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should use Tobi during pregnancy.

Tobi and birth control

There may be risks with using Tobi during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Tobi.

Tobi and breastfeeding

In general, Tobi is considered safe to use while breastfeeding. Tobi is an inhaled medication, so it is not likely to pass into the breast milk.

However, you should still ask your doctor whether they feel it’s safe for you. They may recommend watching for possible side effects in your child, such as loose stools, diaper rash, and thrush.

Common questions about Tobi

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Tobi.

Does Tobi Podhaler cost more than Tobi nebulizer solution?

It’s possible for Tobi Podhaler to cost more than Tobi inhalation solution. But this depends on several factors, such as your insurance plan (if you have one) and financial support programs that may be available.

Tobi Podhaler is a brand-name drug. It’s not available in a generic form. Brand-name drugs tend to cost more than generics.

Tobi is available as a generic medication called tobramycin inhalation solution. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug and may be less expensive.

To find out how the cost of Tobi Podhaler compares to the cost of Tobi or tobamycin inhalation solution, talk with your insurance carrier, doctor’s office, or pharmacy. To learn more about financial support programs, see the “Tobi cost and coupons” section.

How does Tobi work?

Tobi and Tobi Podhaler contain the active ingredient tobramycin. It works by killing a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacteria commonly causes long-term infection and makes lung function worse in people with cystic fibrosis (CF).

However, Tobi doesn’t work to completely clear the Pseudomonas from your lungs. Instead, Tobi helps to reduce the amount of the bacteria in your lungs, which can help to improve lung function in some people with CF. If Pseudomonas infection isn’t properly managed, your lung function can get worse. Inhaled medications, such as Tobi and Tobi Podhaler, can be used to manage the infection and help improve breathing.

If you have questions about how Tobi works or what to expect with treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.