Roflumilast, sold under the brand name Daxas among others, is a medication used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, plaque psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. It acts as a selective, long-acting inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4). It has anti-inflammatory effects. It was approved for medical use in the European Union in 2010, in the United States in 2011, and in Canada in 2017. It is available as a generic medication.

Medical uses

Roflumilast is indicated for the treatment of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), plaque psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis, It is used in the prevention of exacerbations (lung attacks) in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Adverse effects

Common (1–10% incidence) adverse effects include diarrhea, weight loss, nausea, headache, insomnia, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, rhinitis, sinusitis, urinary tract infection, and depression.

Society and culture

Legal status

In June 2010, it was approved in the European Union for severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis. In February 2011, it gained FDA approval in the United States for reducing COPD exacerbations.