What is this medicine?
CALFACTANT (kal FAKT ant) is a lung surfactant. Our bodies need lung surfactant to keep the lungs open during breathing. This medicine is used to prevent and to treat treat Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in babies who are born early.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-an unusual or allergic reaction to calfactant, beef products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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This medicine is applied to the lungs through a breathing tube. It is administered in a hospital by a specially trained health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
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-some inhaled antibiotics
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Your condition will be watched closely while receiving this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-blue coloring to skin, lips, nails
-breathing problems
-change in blood pressure
-symptoms of infection
-unusual bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-slowed heart rate
Where should I keep my medicine?
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This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
