Relenza - Talk Medical

Generic Name: zanamivir

Brands: Relenza

What is the most important information I should know about Relenza?

· Take all of the Relenza that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· Use the Relenza Relenza DISKHALER exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Do not use Relenza without first talking to your doctor if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other chronic lung condition. Serious, even fatal, bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) or decreased lung function has been reported with the use of Relenza. Many, but not all, of the cases occurred in patients with asthma, COPD, or another chronic lung condition. Generally, Relenza is not recommended for use by people with underlying airways diseases such as asthma or COPD. If you develop bronchospasm or decreased lung function, stop using Relenza and seek medical attention. If you have a lung condition and are using Relenza, have a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), bitolterol (Tornalate), metaproterenol (Alupent), or pirbuterol (Maxair) on hand to treat these symptoms, should they occur.

What is Relenza?

· Relenza is an antiviral medication. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body.

· Relenza is used to treat illness (flu) due to influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days.

· Relenza may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Relenza?

· Relenza is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Relenza will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Relenza passes into breast milk. It is also not known whether it will harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· The safety and effectiveness of Relenza have not been established for children younger than 7 years of age.

How should I take Relenza?

· Take Relenza exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Relenza is available with a DISKHALER inhalation device and five ROTADISK foil packs that each contain 4 blisters of the drug.

· Follow the instructions to load the DISKHALER with one ROTADISK foil pack. When you are ready to take a dose, breathe out fully and put the white mouthpiece into your mouth, being sure to keep the inhaler level so that the medicine does not spill out. Close your lips around the mouthpiece, being sure not to cover the small holes on either side of it. Take a steady, deep breath in. Hold your breath for a few seconds. Repeat this process if directed by your doctor to take more than one inhalation with each dose. Replace the cover on the mouthpiece.

· Relenza is usually dosed 2 inhalations twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart for 5 days. Whenever possible, two doses should be taken on the first day of treatment as long as there is at least 2 hours between the 2 doses. On the following days, the doses should be about 12 hours apart at approximately the same time each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· If you have a chronic respiratory disease such as asthma or COPD and you are scheduled to use an inhaled bronchodilator at the same time as Relenza, use the inhaled bronchodilator before using Relenza.

· Take all of the Relenza that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· It is important to take Relenza regularly to get the most benefit.

· Relenza will not prevent the flu and it is not a substitute for a flu shot. Talk to your doctor about the importance of an annual flu shot.

· Store Relenza at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue to take Relenza at the usual times. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (within 2 hours), skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication. If you have missed several doses in a row, talk to your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Relenza overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Relenza?

· There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Relenza unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Relenza?

· Stop taking Relenza and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Serious, even fatal, bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) or decreased lung function has been reported with the use of Relenza. Many, but not all, of the cases occurred in patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another chronic lung condition. Generally, Relenza is not recommended for use by people with underlying airways diseases such as asthma or COPD. If you develop bronchospasm or decreased lung function, stop using Relenza and seek medical attention. If you have a lung condition and are using Relenza, have a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), bitolterol (Tornalate), metaproterenol (Alupent), or pirbuterol (Maxair) on hand to treat these symptoms, should they occur.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Relenza and talk to your doctor if you experience ·headache; ·dizziness; ·nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; ·stuffy nose or sinuses; or ·cough or respiratory symptoms.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Relenza?

· No other drugs have been reported to interact with Relenza. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines , including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Relenza written for health professionals that you may read.

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