Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Zanamivir
Other Names: Relenza
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Zanamivir? (Back to top)
ZANAMIVIR is an antiviral. It is used to prevent and to treat flu infections caused by influenza A or B virus. It will not work for colds, other types of flu, or other viral infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• kidney disease
• live in nursing home
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• serious medical condition
• an unusual or allergic reaction to zanamivir, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is inhaled through the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not use a spacer device with this inhaler. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

If you are also using a bronchodilator inhaler, like albuterol, use that inhaler first. Wait 5 minutes or more before using this medicine.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• live attenuated influenza vaccine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• abnormal behavior
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• confusion
• fast, irregular heart beat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever
• hallucinations
• other ear, nose, or throat infection
• seizures

• cough
• diarrhea
• headache
• nasal congestion
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If you have asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema you may be at a higher risk for having breathing problems while you are taking this medicine. Make sure to have a fast acting inhaler to treat breathing problems. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away.

If you have the flu, you may be at an increased risk of developing seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior. This occurs early in the illness, and more frequently in children and teens. These events are not common, but may result in accidental injury to the patient. Families and caregivers of patients should watch for signs of unusual behavior and contact a doctor or health care professional right away if the patient shows signs of unusual behavior.

To treat the flu, start taking this medicine within 2 days of getting flu symptoms.

This medicine is not a substitute for an annual flu vaccine.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not puncture any of the foil blisters until you are ready to take that dose. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:February 27, 2008

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