Skip to main content

TOBI Podhaler

Generic: Tobramycin

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
NDC
49502-401
RxCUI
1374569
Route
ORAL
ICD-10 indication
J15.1

Affordability Check

How much will you actually pay for TOBI Podhaler?

In 30 seconds, see every legitimate way to afford TOBI Podhaler — Medicare copay, manufacturer copay card, Patient Assistance Program, grants, or cash.

Check my options →

About TOBI Podhaler

What is this medication? TOBI Podhaler is a prescription antibiotic medication used to treat lung infections caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis. It is specifically indicated for adults and children who are at least six years of age. The active ingredient in the medication is tobramycin, which belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycosides. It works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to produce essential proteins, thereby stopping their growth and helping to improve overall lung function and respiratory symptoms.

The medication is administered through a specialized dry powder inhaler device called a Podhaler, which allows the medicine to be delivered directly into the lungs. It is typically used in a repeating cycle that consists of twenty-eight days of treatment followed by twenty-eight days off the medication. This schedule is designed to manage the bacterial load in the airways effectively while reducing the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotic. Patients generally use the device twice daily, spaced as close to twelve hours apart as possible, to maintain consistent levels of the medication in the lungs.

Copay & patient assistance

Detailed copay and financial assistance information is not publicly available for this medication at this time. Please consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's official patient support program for more details.

External links go directly to the manufacturer's portal. RxCopays does not receive compensation for referrals.

Compare pricing elsewhere

RxCopays doesn't sell drugs or take referral fees. Here are the transparent-pricing directories we recommend checking alongside your insurance formulary.

We deep-link because transparency helps patients. None of these partners pay RxCopays.

Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for TOBI Podhaler. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Feb 15, 2023

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TOBI Podhaler is indicated for the management of cystic fibrosis patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Safety and efficacy have not been demonstrated in patients under the age of 6 years, patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) <25% or >80% predicted, or patients colonized with Burkholderia cepacia [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . TOBI Podhaler is an aminoglycoside antibacterial indicated for the management of cystic fibrosis patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Safety and efficacy have not been demonstrated in patients under the age of 6 years, patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) <25% or >80%, or patients colonized with Burkholderia cepacia ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION DO NOT SWALLOW TOBI PODHALER CAPSULES FOR USE WITH THE PODHALER DEVICE ONLY FOR ORAL INHALATION ONLY TOBI Podhaler capsules must not be swallowed as the intended effects in the lungs will not be obtained. The contents of TOBI Podhaler capsules are only for oral inhalation and should only be used with the Podhaler device. The recommended dosage of TOBI Podhaler for both adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older is the inhalation of the contents of four 28 mg TOBI Podhaler capsules twice-daily for 28 days using the Podhaler device. Refer to the Instructions For Use (IFU) for full administration information. Dosage is not adjusted by weight. Each dose of four capsules should be taken as close to 12 hours apart as possible; each dose should not be taken less than 6 hours apart. TOBI Podhaler is administered twice-daily in alternating periods of 28 days. After 28 days of therapy, patients should stop TOBI Podhaler therapy for the next 28 days, and then resume therapy for the next 28-day on and 28-day off cycle. TOBI Podhaler capsules should always be stored in the blister and each capsule should only be removed IMMEDIATELY BEFORE USE. For patients taking several different inhaled medications and/or performing chest physiotherapy, the order of therapies should follow the physician’s recommendation. It is recommended that TOBI Podhaler is taken last. • DO NOT swallow TOBI Podhaler capsules ( 2 ) • For use with the Podhaler device only ( 2 ) • For oral inhalation only ( 2 ) • The recommended dosage is the inhalation of four 28 mg capsules twice-daily for 28 days ( 2 )
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS TOBI Podhaler is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any aminoglycoside. Known hypersensitivity to any aminoglycoside ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Caution should be exercised when prescribing TOBI Podhaler to patients with known or suspected auditory, vestibular, renal, or neuromuscular dysfunction ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 ) • Ototoxicity, as measured by complaints of hearing loss or tinnitus, was reported in clinical trials ( 5.2 ) • Aminoglycosides may aggravate muscle weakness because of a potential curare-like effect on neuromuscular function ( 5.6 ) • Bronchospasm can occur with inhalation of TOBI Podhaler ( 5.1 ) • Audiograms, serum concentrations, and renal function should be monitored as appropriate ( 5.3 , 5.5 , 5.6 ) • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm Apprise women of the potential hazard to the fetus ( 5.6 , 8.1 ) 5.1 Bronchospasm Bronchospasm has been reported with inhalation of TOBI Podhaler [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Bronchospasm should be treated as medically appropriate. 5.2 Ototoxicity Ototoxicity with use of TOBI Podhaler Caution should be exercised when prescribing TOBI Podhaler to patients with known or suspected auditory or vestibular dysfunction. Ototoxicity, as measured by complaints of hearing loss or tinnitus, was reported by patients in the TOBI Podhaler clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Tinnitus may be a sentinel symptom of ototoxicity, and therefore the onset of this symptom warrants caution. Ototoxicity, manifested as both auditory (hearing loss) and vestibular toxicity, has been reported with parenteral aminoglycosides. Vestibular toxicity may be manifested by vertigo, ataxia or dizziness. Risk of Ototoxicity Due to Mitochondrial DNA Variants Cases of ototoxicity with aminoglycosides have been observed in patients with certain variants in the mitochondrially encoded 12S rRNA gene ( MT-RNR1 ), particularly the m.1555A>G variant. Ototoxicity occurred in some patients even when their aminoglycoside serum levels were within the recommended range. Mitochondrial DNA variants are present in less than 1% of the general US population, and the proportion of the variant carriers who may develop ototoxicity as well as the severity of ototoxicity is unknown. In case of known maternal history of ototoxicity due to aminoglycoside use or a known mitochondrial DNA variant in the patient, consider alternative treatments other than aminoglycosides unless the increased risk of permanent hearing loss is outweighed by the severity of infection and lack of safe and effective alternative therapies . 5.3 Nephrotoxicity Caution should be exercised when prescribing TOBI Podhaler to patients with known or suspected renal dysfunction. Nephrotoxicity was not observed during TOBI Podhaler clinical studies but has been associated with aminoglycosides as a class. 5.4 Neuromuscular Disorders Caution should be exercised when prescribing TOBI Podhaler to patients with known or suspected neuromuscular dysfunction. TOBI Podhaler should be used cautiously in patients with neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis or Parkinson’s disease, since aminoglycosides may aggravate muscle weakness because of a potential curare-like effect on neuromuscular function. 5.5 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Aminoglycosides cross the placenta, and streptomycin has been associated with several reports of total, irreversible, bilateral congenital deafness in pediatric patients exposed in utero. However, systemic absorption of tobramycin following inhaled administration is expected to be minimal [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Patients who use TOBI Podhaler during pregnancy, or become pregnant while taking TOBI Podhaler should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . 5.6 Concomitant Use of Systemic Aminoglycosides Patients receiving concomitant TOBI and parenteral aminoglycoside therapy should be monitored as clinically appropriate for toxicities associated with aminoglycosides as a class. Serum tobramycin levels should be monitored.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No clinical drug interaction studies have been performed with TOBI Podhaler. In clinical studies, patients receiving TOBI Podhaler continued to take dornase alfa, bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and macrolides. No clinical signs of drug interactions with these medicines were identified. Concurrent and/or sequential use of TOBI Podhaler with other drugs with neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, or ototoxic potential should be avoided. Some diuretics can enhance aminoglycoside toxicity by altering antibiotic concentrations in serum and tissue. TOBI Podhaler should not be administered concomitantly with ethacrynic acid, furosemide, urea, or intravenous mannitol. The interaction between inhaled mannitol and TOBI Podhaler has not been evaluated. Concurrent and/or sequential use of TOBI Podhaler with other drugs with neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, or ototoxic potential should be avoided ( 7 )
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (≥10 % of TOBI Podhaler and TOBI patients in primary safety population) are cough, lung disorder, productive cough, dyspnea, pyrexia, oropharyngeal pain, dysphonia, hemoptysis, and headache ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. TOBI Podhaler has been evaluated for safety in 425 cystic fibrosis patients exposed to at least one dose of TOBI Podhaler, including 273 patients who were exposed across three cycles (6 months) of treatment. Each cycle consisted of 28 days on-treatment (with 112 mg administered twice-daily) and 28 days off-treatment. Patients with serum creatinine ≥2 mg/dL and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ≥40 mg/dL were excluded from clinical studies. There were 218 males and 207 females in this population, and reflecting the cystic fibrosis population in the U.S., the vast majority of patients were Caucasian. There were 221 patients ≥20 years old, 121 patients ≥13 to <20 years old, and 83 patients ≥6 to <13 years old. There were 239 patients with screening FEV 1 % predicted ≥50%, 156 patients with screening FEV 1 % predicted <50%, and 30 patients with missing FEV 1 % predicted. The primary safety population reflects patients from Study 1, an open-label study comparing TOBI Podhaler with TOBI (tobramycin inhalation solution, USP) over three cycles of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 4 weeks off treatment. Randomization, in a planned 3:2 ratio, resulted in 308 patients treated with TOBI Podhaler and 209 patients treated with TOBI. For both the TOBI Podhaler and TOBI groups, mean exposure to medication for each cycle was 28 to 29 days. The mean age for both arms was between 25 and 26 years old. The mean baseline FEV 1 % predicted for both arms was 53%. Table 1 displays adverse drug reactions reported by at least 2% of TOBI Podhaler patients in Study 1, inclusive of all cycles (on and off treatment). Adverse drug reactions are listed according to MedDRA system organ class and sorted within system organ class group in descending order of frequency. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in Study 1 (Occurring in ≥2% of TOBI Podhaler Patients) Primary System Organ Class Preferred Term TOBI Podhaler N=308 % TOBI N=209 % Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders Cough 48.4 31.1 Lung disorder This includes adverse events of pulmonary or cystic fibrosis exacerbations 33.8 30.1 Productive cough 18.2 19.6 Dyspnea 15.6 12.4 Oropharyngeal pain 14.0 10.5 Dysphonia 13.6 3.8 Hemoptysis 13.0 12.4 Nasal congestion 8.1 7.2 Rales 7.1 6.2 Wheezing 6.8 6.2 Chest discomfort 6.5 2.9 Throat irritation 4.5 1.9 Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 7.5 9.6 Vomiting 6.2 5.7 Diarrhea 4.2 1.9 Dysgeusia 3.9 0.5 Infections and infestations Upper respiratory tract infection 6.8 8.6 Investigations Pulmonary function test decreased 6.8 8.1 Forced expiratory volume decreased 3.9 1.0 Blood glucose increased 2.9 0.5 Vascular disorders Epistaxis 2.6 1.9 Nervous system disorders Headache 11.4 12.0 General disorders and administration site conditions Pyrexia 15.6 12.4 Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Musculoskeletal chest pain 4.5 4.8 Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rash 2.3 2.4 Adverse drug reactions that occurred in <2% of patients treated with TOBI Podhaler in Study 1 were: bronchospasm (TOBI Podhaler 1.6%, TOBI 0.5%); deafness including deafness unilateral (reported as mild to moderate hearing loss or increased hearing loss) (TOBI Podhaler 1.0%, TOBI 0.5%); and tinnitus (TOBI Podhaler 1.9%, TOBI 2.4%). Discontinuations in Study 1 were higher in the TOBI Podhaler arm compared to TOBI (27% TOBI Podhaler versus 18% TOBI). This was driven primarily by discontinuations due to adverse events (14% TOBI Podhaler versus 8% TOBI). Higher rates of discontinuation were seen in subjects ≥20 years old and those with baseline FEV 1 % predicted <50%. Respiratory related hospitalizations occurred in 24% of the patients in the TOBI Podhaler arm and 22% of the patients in the TOBI arm. There was an increased new usage of antipseudomonal medication in the TOBI Podhaler arm (65% TOBI Podhaler versus 55% TOBI). This included oral antibiotics in 55% of TOBI Podhaler patients and 40% of TOBI patients and intravenous antibiotics in 35% of TOBI Podhaler patients and 33% of TOBI patients. Median time to first antipseudomonal usage was 89 days in the TOBI Podhaler arm and 112 days in the TOBI arm. The supportive safety population reflects patients from two studies: Study 2, a double-blind, placebo-controlled design for the first treatment cycle, followed by all patients receiving TOBI Podhaler (replaced placebo) for two additional cycles, and Study 3, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for one treatment cycle only. Placebo in these studies was inhaled powder without the active ingredient, tobramycin. The patient population for these studies was much younger than in Study 1 (mean age 13 years old). Adverse drug reactions reported more frequently by TOBI Podhaler patients in the placebo-controlled cycle (Cycle 1) of Study 2, which included 46 TOBI Podhaler and 49 placebo patients, were: Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders Pharyngolaryngeal pain (TOBI Podhaler 10.9%, placebo 0%); dysphonia (TOBI Podhaler 4.3%, placebo 0%) Gastrointestinal disorders Dysgeusia (TOBI Podhaler 6.5%, placebo 2.0%) Adverse drug reactions reported more frequently by TOBI Podhaler patients in Study 3, which included 30 TOBI Podhaler and 32 placebo patients, were: Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders Cough (TOBI Podhaler 10%, placebo 0%) Ear and labyrinth disorders Hypoacusis (TOBI Podhaler 10%, placebo 6.3%) Audiometric Assessment In Study 1, audiology testing was performed in a subset of approximately 25% of TOBI Podhaler (n=78) and TOBI (n=45) patients. Using the criteria for either ear of ≥10 dB loss at two consecutive frequencies, ≥20 dB loss at any frequency, or loss of response at three consecutive frequencies where responses were previously obtained, five TOBI Podhaler patients and three TOBI patients were judged to have ototoxicity, a ratio similar to the planned 3:2 randomization for this study. Audiology testing was also performed in a subset of patients in both Study 2 (n=13 from the TOBI Podhaler group and n=9 from the placebo group) and Study 3 (n=14 from the TOBI Podhaler group and n=11 from the placebo group). In Study 2, no patients reported hearing complaints but two TOBI Podhaler patients met the criteria for ototoxicity. In Study 3, three TOBI Podhaler and two placebo patients had reports of ‘hypoacusis.’ One TOBI Podhaler and two placebo patients met the criteria for ototoxicity. In some patients, ototoxicity was transient or may have been related to a conductive defect. Cough Cough is a common symptom in cystic fibrosis, reported in 42% of the patients in Study 1 at baseline. Cough was the most frequently reported adverse event in Study 1 and was more common in the TOBI Podhaler arm (48% TOBI Podhaler versus 31 % TOBI). There was a higher rate of cough adverse event reporting during the first week of active treatment with TOBI Podhaler (i.e., the first week of Cycle 1). The time to first cough event in the TOBI Podhaler and TOBI groups were similar thereafter. In some patients, cough resulted in discontinuation of TOBI Podhaler treatment. Sixteen patients (5%) receiving treatment with TOBI Podhaler discontinued study treatment due to cough events compared with 2 (1%) in the TOBI treatment group. Children and adolescents coughed more than adults when treated with TOBI Podhaler, yet the adults were more likely to discontinue: of the 16 patients on TOBI Podhaler in Study 1 who discontinued treatment due to cough events, 14 were ≥20 years of age, one patient was between the ages of 13 and <20, and one was between the ages of 6 and <13. The rates of bronchospasm (as measured by ≥20% decrease in FEV 1 % predicted post-dose) were approximately 5% in both treatment groups, and none of these patients experienced concomitant cough. In Study 2, cough was the most commonly reported adverse event during the first cycle of treatment (the double blind period of treatment) and occurred more frequently in placebo-treated patients (26.5%) than patients treated with TOBI Podhaler (13%). Similar percentages of patients in both treatment groups reported cough as a baseline symptom. In Study 3, cough events were reported by three patients in the TOBI Podhaler group (10%) and none in the placebo group (0%). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of TOBI Podhaler. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders Aphonia, Sputum discolored General disorders and administration site conditions Malaise
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm. Published literature reports that use of streptomycin, an aminoglycoside, can cause total, irreversible, bilateral congenital deafness when administered to a pregnant woman [ Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Although there are no available data on TOBI Podhaler use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes, systemic absorption of tobramycin following inhaled administration is expected to be minimal [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . There are risks to the mother associated with cystic fibrosis in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) . In animal reproduction studies with subcutaneous administration of tobramycin in pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis there were no adverse developmental outcomes; however, ototoxicity was not evaluated in the offspring from these studies (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Cystic fibrosis may increase the risk for preterm delivery. Data Animal Data No reproduction toxicology studies have been conducted with TOBI Podhaler. However, subcutaneous administration of tobramycin at doses of up to 100 (rat) or 20 (rabbit) mg/kg/day during organogenesis was not associated with adverse developmental outcomes. Doses of tobramycin ≥40 mg/kg/day were severely maternally toxic to rabbits and precluded the evaluation of adverse developmental outcomes. Ototoxicity was not evaluated in offspring during non-clinical reproductive toxicity studies with tobramycin.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Medicare Part D coverage

How TOBI Podhaler appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

53%

2,946 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 5

On 77% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

51%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 1 (preferred generic)39
21%
Tier 2 (generic)1
1%
Tier 4 (non-preferred brand)4
2%
Tier 5 (specialty)144
77%

Step therapy: 0% of formularies

Quantity limits: 57% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 188 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

Medicare Part D

Related drugs

How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.

Rare-disease navigation (specialists, trials, patient communities)

TOBI Podhaler treats a rare condition. For in-depth disease pages on our sister site:

UniteRare.org is our sister site for rare-disease navigation — same editorial team, same accuracy standards.