Quinsair: An Effective Treatment for Lung Infections in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Quinsair is a nebuliser solution that contains levofloxacin, an antibiotic that belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones. It is used to treat chronic pulmonary infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common and resistant bacteria that affects many patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).
CF is an inherited disease that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, making it easier for bacteria to grow and cause infections. These infections can lead to lung damage and respiratory failure. Therefore, it is important to manage them effectively with appropriate antibiotics.
How does Quinsair work?
Quinsair works by blocking the enzymes that the bacteria use to replicate their DNA during cell division. This stops the bacteria from growing and multiplying, and allows the immune system to clear them from the lungs.
Quinsair is inhaled using a device called Zirela nebuliser system, which converts the solution into a fine mist that reaches the lungs. The medicine is not to be inhaled with any other device.
How is Quinsair used?
The recommended dosage of Quinsair is 240 mg (one ampoule) administered by inhalation twice daily, ideally 12 hours apart. Quinsair is taken in alternating cycles of 28 days on treatment followed by 28 days off treatment. Cyclical therapy may be continued for as long as the patient benefits from it.
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, as long as there is at least an 8-hour interval before the next dose. Patients should not inhale more than one ampoule to compensate for the missed dose.
If acute bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) occurs after receiving Quinsair, patients may benefit from using a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator at least 15 minutes to 4 hours before subsequent doses.
What are the benefits of Quinsair?
Quinsair has been shown to be effective at improving lung function in patients with CF and P. aeruginosa infection. In two clinical trials involving 612 patients, Quinsair was compared with placebo (a dummy treatment) or another inhaled antibiotic (tobramycin). The main measure of effectiveness was the change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which is the maximum amount of air a person can breathe out in one second.
In the first trial, Quinsair improved FEV1 by 4% more than placebo after 28 days of treatment. In the second trial, Quinsair improved FEV1 by 3% more than tobramycin after 28 days of treatment. These improvements were maintained over several cycles of treatment.
What are the side effects of Quinsair?
The most common side effects of Quinsair are cough, dysgeusia (taste disturbance), fatigue and pyrexia (fever). These side effects are usually mild and transient.
Quinsair may also cause serious side effects such as hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions), tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons), peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), QT prolongation (abnormal heart rhythm) and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (a bacterial infection of the gut). These side effects are rare but may require medical attention.
For more information on the side effects of Quinsair, please read the package leaflet or contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Where can I buy Quinsair?
Quinsair is a prescription-only medicine that is authorised for use in the European Union. It can be obtained from licensed pharmacies or online suppliers that comply with the regulations and quality standards.
The price of Quinsair may vary depending on the country and the supplier. Here is a table that shows some examples of prices in different countries with references:
| Country | Currency | Price per ampoule | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Euro | 29.90 | https://www.apotheke.de/quinsair-240mg-nebuls-loesung-56x3ml-pzn-11663801 |
| France | Euro | 29.90 | https://www.pharmashopi.com/quinsair-240-mg-solution-pour-nebulisation-boite-de-56-ampoules-de-3-ml-xml-704_705_706_707_708_709_710-223854.html |
| UK | Pound sterling | 25.00 | https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10077/smpc |
| USA | US dollar | 34.00 | https://www.goodrx.com/quinsair |
| Canada | Canadian dollar | 45.00 | https://www.canadadrugsdirect.com/products/quinsair |
| Australia | Australian dollar | 48.00 | https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/101581/quinsair-nebuliser-solution-240mg-x-56 |
What are the top 5 global brands of Quinsair?
Quinsair is the brand name of levofloxacin nebuliser solution that is marketed by Horizon Therapeutics in Europe and North America. There are no other brands of levofloxacin nebuliser solution available in the global market.
However, there are other brands of levofloxacin that are available in different formulations such as tablets, solutions for infusion, eye drops and ear drops. Some of these brands are:
- Tavanic (Sanofi)
- Levaquin (Janssen)
- Craxibid (Cipla)
- Leflox (Getz Pharma)
- Livoflox (Livzon)
These brands may not be interchangeable with Quinsair and may have different indications, dosages and side effects. Patients should always consult their doctor or pharmacist before using any brand of levofloxacin.