Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Tobi (Tobramycin Inhalation Solution) Overview By Lori Alma Lori Alma Lori Alma, RN, is a registered nurse and cystic fibrosis expert who assists families in a Florida Department of Health program for special needs children. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 25, 2020 Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Tobi is an inhaled version of the antibiotic tobramycin that was created specifically for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in people with cystic fibrosis. Tobi reduces the amount of bacteria in the lungs, which can improve lung function and prevent long hospital stays. AMELIE-BENOIST /BSIP / Getty Images Who Tobi Is For People over 6 years old with cystic fibrosis who have P. aeruginosa in their lungs. Who Shouldn't Take Tobi People who are allergic to tobramycin or other antibiotics in the same family (aminoglycosides). How to Take It Tobi is inhaled into the lungs using a machine called a nebulizer. It is usually taken every 12 hours. To prevent developing resistance, Tobi should be taken in cycles of 28 days on the medication followed by 28 days off. Storage Tobi should be stored in the refrigerator whenever possible. If refrigeration is not available, Tobi can be stored in a dark place at room temperature up to 77 degrees. Tobi should never be exposed to extreme heat or intense light. If the solution contains particles or appears cloudy, it should be discarded. Side Effects Some common side effects of Tobi include: Sore throatHeadacheUnpleasant taste in the mouthHoarseness or change in voice Safety Warnings Some people who take Tobi have reported hearing loss, which may be permanent if it occurs. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you have: DizzinessRinging in the earsReduced hearing Tobi can also cause bronchospasm, a condition that restricts the ability to breathe. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you have: Increased coughingWheezingShortness of breath Before taking Tobi, tell your healthcare provider if you: Are allergic to Tobi or other aminoglycoside antibitotics such as streptomycin, amikacin, kanamycin, neomycin, or gentamicinAre pregnant, or planning to become pregnantAre breastfeedingHave kidney or liver disease Financial Assistance A 28-day supply of Tobi is expensive, but it is covered by most insurance plans. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover Tobi, Novartis has an assistance program that may be able to help if you meet the criteria. Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Tobi Prescribing Information. December 2007. People with severely decreased lung function (FEV1 <25%) By Lori Alma Lori Alma, RN, is a registered nurse and cystic fibrosis expert who assists families in a Florida Department of Health program for special needs children. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit