Relenza

The active ingredient in Relenza is zanamivir. Zanamivir is an antiviral medication that has activity against the flu viruses (Influenza A and B viruses). It belongs to a class of medications known as neuraminidase inhibitors. This mechanism of action makes it a suitable choice for treating and preventing the flu. Although it is an antiviral, it cannot be used to prevent infections caused by other viruses.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Relenza. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Relenza:

• Relenza should be used exactly as prescribed.
• It is a powder medication meant for oral inhalation using the diskhaler that comes with it. Each dose requires 2 inhalations (therefore 2 blisters). If you are using Relenza to treat the flu, you will take 2 inhalations 2 times a day for 5 days. On the first day, you must separate each dose by at least 2 hours. On the other 4 days, the doses should be separated by 12 hours. If you are using Relenza to prevent the flu, you will use 2 inhalations once a day for 10 or 28 days as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Typically, prophylaxis of flu due to a community outbreak will require a longer duration of use. Your doctor or pharmacist will review with you how to use this device.
• If using for the treatment of flu symptoms (such as fever, cough, chills, sore throat, muscle aches and pains), symptoms should have been present for no more than 2 days.
• If you also use a bronchodilator inhaler like albuterol (Ventolin HFA), use it before taking Relenza if you need to take both at the same time.
• Do not use zanamivir powder to make a solution for administration by mechanical ventilation or by a nebulizer. There have been reports of fatalities when Relenza was administered this way.
• Relenza does not replace the need for your annual flu shot. You should receive the flu vaccine each year as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is 2 hours or less before your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

Some mild or common side effects of Relenza include:

• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sinusitis
• Irritation of the nose
• Dizziness
• Cough
• Bronchitis or airway irritation
• Ear, nose, and throat infections
• Joint pain or inflammation

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Relenza. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of a serious breathing problem, such as bronchospasm or wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, cough
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, chest pain, hives, skin rash, or swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue.
• Abnormal behaviors that are not typical for you, such as confusion, speech problems, shaky movements, seizures, or hallucinations, especially in pediatric patients.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Relenza. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Relenza, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Breathing problems such as asthma or COPD
• Have received a live attenuated influenza vaccine in your nose in the last 2 weeks
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Do not use Relenza if you have:

• An allergy to zanamivir, milk proteins, or any of the other ingredients in Relenza.

Relenza begins to work right after the first dose in either treating or preventing the infection.

When Relenza is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Live attenuated vaccines

Relenza inhalation powder is packaged in disk-shaped foil packs that contain 4 blisters of medicine. Each blister contains 5 mg of zanamivir and 20 mg of lactose.

Relenza should be stored at room temperature in its original packaging, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Relenza is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline.

Currently, there is no generic available for the brand-name Relenza.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Relenza.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown if Relenza passes into the breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.