Drugs & Vitamins

Calfactant Suspension Active Ingredients: Calfactant Suspension Representative Names: Infasurf What is calfactant? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with calfactant? What side effects may I notice from using calfactant? What should I watch for while taking calfactant? Where can I keep my medicine? What is calfactant? (Back to top) CALFACTANT (Infasurf®) is a lung surfactant, a fluid that helps the lungs to function normally. Calfactant is similar to the natural fluid in our lungs that helps us to maintain effective breathing. Calfactant is given to try to prevent breathing difficulties in premature babies whose lung tissue has not fully developed. It is also given to treat infants who show signs of breathing difficulties and develop what is known as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Calfactant is applied to the lungs through a breathing tube in the windpipe (trachea). Infasurf® is not available in generic form. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •the reason for breathing problems must be determined before treatment begins. The baby may be given an x-ray and other tests to determine the cause of breathing difficulties. How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Calfactant is only for the treatment or prevention of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). It is given under a prescriber's supervision in a hospital setting. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) The doses of calfactant (Infasurf®) will be administered by health care professionals as needed in the hospital setting in an intensive care area. You will not have to worry about missed doses. What drug(s) may interact with calfactant? (Back to top) There are no known interactions with other medicines. What side effects may I notice from using calfactant? (Back to top) Calfactant causes few side effects. There is a possibility that the baby will have breathing difficulties during the calfactant treatment, and these problems may require further treatment by health care professionals. The baby will remain under constant supervision during, and for some time after, calfactant administration. The infant will remain connected to an artificial ventilator (breathing machine) until he/she has improved and no longer needs breathing assistance. What should I watch for while taking calfactant? (Back to top) Your baby/child will be monitored closely by health care professionals in an intensive care setting during treatments with calfactant. Ask your health care professional if you have further questions regarding the calfactant treatments. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This medication is administered by a health care professional only. You will not be given calfactant to take home with you. Last Updated:04/07/1999 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.