PORACTANT ALFA

Poractant alfa received initial approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 18 November 1999.

Poractant alfa is a synthetic surfactant used to treat Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in premature infants. It is also used to prevent RDS in premature infants at high risk for the condition. Some researchers are studying the use of this medication to treat other lung diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults.

Poractant alfa is administered through a breathing tube into the infant's lungs. This is called endotracheopulmonary administration. It is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in a hospital setting.

The most common side effects of Poractant alfa are bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood), apnea (temporary cessation of breathing), respiratory distress, and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Other side effects include allergic reactions, fever, infection, jaundice, and seizures.

Infants with surfactant protein B deficiency do not produce enough surfactant, and Poractant alfa will not be effective in these infants. Infants with a history of bleeding disorders may be at an increased risk of developing complications with Poractant alfa. This medication can also cause fever, infection, and jaundice. It can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis can further cause difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling.

One should consult a health care provider before starting Poractant alfa in infants with a history of allergic reactions. Infants with surfactant protein B deficiency should not take this medication. You should tell your doctor immediately if your infant experiences other side effects like fever, infection, and jaundice. It is important to talk to your doctor about all of the risks and benefits of this medication before your infant receives it.

Before receiving Poractant alfa, inform your doctor of your medical conditions and current medications. Be alert to signs and symptoms of allergic reaction, including hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these occur. A healthcare professional must administer this medication; do not self-administer. Monitor yourself or your infant for signs of complications such as breathing problems, jaundice, or allergic reactions. Be aware of potential adverse effects including allergic reaction, bleeding, respiratory distress, apnea, and liver problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Note that apnea presents as temporary cessation of breathing. Contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.

Chiesi Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on 16th Dec 2019] [Accessed on 23rd August 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6450/pil#gref Chiesi USA, Inc , US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on 05/17/2021] [Accessed on Accessed on 23 August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/2021/020744Orig1s043ltr.pdf Chao YS, Grobelna A; Curosurf (poractant alfa) for the Treatment of Infants At Risk For or Experiencing Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines [Internet]; Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health [Published on 18th Sep 2018] [Accessed on 23rd August 2023]; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30860685/