Brand names: Relenza®
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Zanamivir oral inhalation powder (below)
- Zanamivir Inhalation powder
Zanamivir oral inhalation powder
What is zanamivir inhalation powder?
ZANAMIVIR is a medicine used to treat infections caused by two of the most common flu viruses. This medicine may decrease the length of time you experience symptoms of the flu by 1 to 2 days. This medicine may also help to reduce the risk of spreading the flu to others.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
• chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD (bronchitis or emphysema)
• severe heart disease
• severe kidney disease
• 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?
This medicine is inhaled through the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions. Finish the whole 5-day course of treatment even if you start to feel better sooner.
If you are also using a bronchodilator inhaler, like albuterol, use that inhaler first. Wait a few minutes before using this medicine.
A patient information sheet for this medicine 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 7 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with zanamivir?
• Intranasal Influenza Vaccine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider 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.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking zanamivir?
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
The Diskhaler® device should not be washed while it contains the Rotadisk® medication disk. You will need to keep it dry. To avoid the spread of infection, the Diskhaler® device should not be used by more than one person. Discard the Diskhaler® once you have completed your treatment.
What side effects may I notice from using zanamivir?
Side effects that you should report to your doctoror health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• change in mood or behavior, especially if unusual or if the behavior may cause self-injury
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• fainting
• infection and inflammation of the sinuses (nose) and chest
• pain while breathing
• skin rash or blistering of skin
• wheezing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• coughing
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nasal congestion
• nausea and vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
Gold Standard. Copyright © 2008 by Gold Standard. All rights reserved.
