Generic Daliresp

Introduction

Daliresp is a prescription medication whose active ingredient is roflumilast, a selective phosphodiesterase‑4 (PDE4) inhibitor. It is classified within the general health and skin‑care therapeutic groups because its anti‑inflammatory properties are useful for chronic respiratory diseases that can affect skin health indirectly. In Hong Kong, Daliresp is prescribed for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who experience frequent exacerbations despite optimal inhaled therapy. The drug is manufactured by several international pharmaceutical firms and is approved by major regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Its clinical use in Hong Kong aligns with local guidelines that recommend a PDE4 inhibitor as an add‑on treatment for high‑risk COPD patients.

What is Daliresp?

• Definition – Daliresp is a tablet formulation containing 500 µg of roflumilast. It is a systemic anti‑inflammatory agent taken once daily.
• Classification – Oral phosphodiesterase‑4 inhibitor; belongs to the “general health” and “skin‑care” medication groups due to its systemic anti‑inflammatory effects.
• Development – Roflumilast was discovered by GlaxoSmithKline and later commercialised under the brand name Daliresp. Several generic manufacturers now produce identical roflumilast tablets.
• Manufacturer – The original branded product is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. Generic versions are supplied by licensed overseas pharmaceutical companies that meet international quality standards.

Daliresp is the branded version of roflumilast. Our online pharmacy provides this medication as a cost‑effective alternative, sourced from reputable international suppliers that hold the necessary certifications for export to Hong Kong.

How Daliresp Works

Roflumilast selectively inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase‑4, which degrades cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in inflammatory cells. By raising intracellular cAMP levels, the drug reduces the release of pro‑inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF‑α, IL‑6) and suppresses neutrophil activation. In the lungs, this results in lower airway inflammation, diminished mucus production, and fewer COPD exacerbations.

• Onset of action – Clinical improvement in exacerbation frequency is typically observed after 4–8 weeks of continuous therapy.
• Duration – The half‑life of roflumilast is approximately 20 hours; steady‑state concentrations are achieved within 5 days of daily dosing.
• Clearance – hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 is the primary route; renal excretion of metabolites accounts for less than 10 % of clearance.

Conditions Treated with Daliresp

• Severe COPD with a history of frequent exacerbations – The primary approved indication. In Hong Kong, COPD prevalence is estimated at 3–5 % of the adult population, with a substantial proportion classified as high‑risk. Adding roflumilast to standard inhaled bronchodilators reduces exacerbation rates by 15–20 % in clinical trials.
• Chronic inflammatory skin conditions (off‑label) – Roflumilast’s systemic anti‑inflammatory effect has been explored in severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, where it may provide adjunctive benefit. No formal approval exists in Hong Kong, and use remains investigational.

The drug is not indicated for asthma, acute bronchitis, or for use in patients without established COPD.

Patient Groups Most Likely to Benefit

• Adults ≥40 years with COPD – Particularly those with post‑bronchodilator FEV₁ < 50 % predicted and a history of ≥2 exacerbations in the previous year.
• Patients already on maximal inhaled therapy – Roflumilast is used as an add‑on when inhaled corticosteroids, long‑acting bronchodilators, and smoking cessation have not fully controlled disease.
• Individuals without significant hepatic impairment – Because the drug is metabolised by the liver, patients with mild to moderate hepatic dysfunction may require dose adjustment, while severe impairment is a contraindication.

Contraindicated or cautionary groups include:

• Patients with known hypersensitivity to roflumilast or any tablet excipients.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (category C; safety not established).
• Patients receiving strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin) due to risk of reduced efficacy.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common adverse events

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Weight loss (≥5 % of baseline body weight)
• Headache

These events are usually mild to moderate and often improve with continued therapy.

Rare adverse events

• Insomnia or sleep disturbance
• Anxiety or depressive symptoms
• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST)

Monitoring liver function at baseline and periodically during treatment is recommended.

Serious adverse events

• Severe depression or suicidal ideation – requires immediate medical attention.
• Persistent or worsening diarrhoea leading to dehydration.
• Acute hepatic failure – rare but possible in patients with pre‑existing liver disease.

If any serious reaction occurs, discontinuation of Daliresp is advised and urgent evaluation should be undertaken.

Drug–drug interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, clarithromycin) – may increase roflumilast plasma concentrations; dose reduction may be needed.
• CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, carbamazepine) – may reduce efficacy; alternative therapy should be considered.
• Strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (fluvoxamine) – could raise roflumilast levels; caution advised.
• Concurrent use of other PDE4 inhibitors – additive anti‑inflammatory effect may increase risk of gastrointestinal side‑effects.

Patients should disclose all prescription, over‑the‑counter, and herbal products before initiating therapy.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing – 500 µg (one tablet) taken orally once daily, preferably in the morning with or without food.
• Dose adjustments – For patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh A) a reduced dose of 250 µg may be considered.
• Missed dose – If a dose is missed and the scheduled time is more than 12 hours away, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.
• Overdose – In case of accidental ingestion of more than one tablet, seek medical attention immediately. Supportive care, including monitoring of gastrointestinal symptoms and hepatic function, is the mainstay of management.
• Precautions – Avoid excessive alcohol, which can exacerbate hepatic toxicity. Use with caution in patients with a history of depression; regular mental‑health assessment is advisable.

Buying Daliresp from Our Online Pharmacy

Daliresp can be purchased directly from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. Our service offers several advantages:

• Affordable pricing – We source the generic roflumilast tablets at near‑manufacturer cost, passing savings to the consumer.
• Verified quality – All suppliers are licensed, GMP‑certified manufacturers; each batch undergoes independent laboratory testing before shipment.
• Guaranteed delivery – Options include 7‑day express courier for urgent needs or regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks) for non‑urgent orders. Packages are discreetly labelled and sealed to protect privacy.
• Online‑only access – Patients who encounter limited stock in local pharmacies or face insurance restrictions can obtain the medication safely through our portal.

Our platform operates as a pharmacy‑broker service. We collaborate with overseas licensed pharmacies and reputable distributors, ensuring that every order complies with Hong Kong import regulations while maintaining a high level of confidentiality for the customer.

FAQ

• Is Daliresp covered by Hong Kong’s public healthcare scheme?
  Public coverage for roflumilast is limited. Most patients obtain the medication through private prescriptions and must pay out‑of‑pocket or use private insurance.

• Can Daliresp be stored at home without special conditions?
  The tablets should be kept at controlled room temperature (15 °C–30 °C), away from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong odors. No refrigeration is required.

• What is the typical packaging for Daliresp ordered online?
  Each shipment arrives in a sealed, tamper‑evident pouch containing a blister pack of 30 tablets. The outer box includes a discreet label with the product name and batch information.

• Is it legal to import Daliresp for personal use in Hong Kong?
  Personal import of prescription medicines is permitted when a valid prescription is presented to customs. Our pharmacy facilitates this process by providing a licensed prescription after professional evaluation.

• Does roflumilast have any known differences in formulation across regions?
  The active ingredient, dosage strength (500 µg), and excipients are consistent worldwide. Minor variations may exist in tablet coating or binders, but these do not affect clinical efficacy.

• Can Daliresp be integrated into a telemedicine treatment plan?
  Yes. Many telehealth providers in Hong Kong prescribe roflumilast after an online consultation and can refer patients to our pharmacy for fulfillment.

• Are there specific warnings for Asian populations taking Daliresp?
  Clinical data do not indicate ethnicity‑related differences in pharmacokinetics. However, clinicians should consider body‑weight variations and monitor for weight loss, which may be more pronounced in lean patients.

• What should I do if I experience severe depression while on Daliresp?
  Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Serious psychiatric side‑effects require prompt assessment and may necessitate discontinuation of the medication.

• How long can I safely continue Daliresp therapy?
  Long‑term use has been studied for up to 2 years without cumulative toxicity. Continuous therapy is appropriate as long as disease control is needed and no serious adverse events develop.

• How can I obtain a prescription for Daliresp in Hong Kong?

Glossary

Phosphodiesterase‑4 (PDE4) inhibitor

A drug class that blocks the PDE4 enzyme, leading to increased intracellular cAMP and reduced inflammatory cell activity.

Exacerbation

A worsening of COPD symptoms (e.g., increased dyspnoea, cough, sputum) that often requires additional treatment or hospitalization.

Hepatic impairment

Reduced liver function, usually graded by the Child‑Pugh score, which can affect drug metabolism and dosing.

CYP3A4

A major liver enzyme responsible for metabolising many medications; inhibitors or inducers of this enzyme can alter drug levels.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Daliresp is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Daliresp for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.