Curosurf suspension contains the active ingredient poractant alfa, which is a natural lung (pulmonary) surfactant that is obtained from the lungs of pigs. Surfactants are wetting agents that coat the surface of the air sacs (alveoli) and reduce surface tension in the lungs. This helps the air sacs to inflate and expand during breathing and stops them sticking together.
Surfactants are normally produced naturally in the lungs. However, some babies, particularly premature babies, don't have enough surfactant in their lungs when they are born. This can result in a life-threatening disorder known as respiratory distress syndrome, where the lungs become stiff and uninflatable and breathing is extremely difficult. This commonly occurs in premature babies, because their under-developed lungs are not yet able to produce surfactants.
Poractant alfa is given directly into the lungs through a tube (endotracheal administration) to temporarily replace the natural surfactant. This helps premature babies to breath while their lungs are developing enough to produce their own surfactant.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all babies having this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Some of these are also potential problems for all premature babies. The staff in the neonatal intensive care unit are specially trained to help recognise and treat these problems as best as they can.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine is not known to affect other medicines.
There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain poractant alfa as the active ingredient.