Information on Relenza
You have been prescribed Relenza® (zanamivir) by your health care provider for either the treatment or prevention of the flu virus. This medicine is called an "antiviral" drug and may help you recover more quickly if you have the flu, or help keep you from getting sick if you have been exposed to the flu virus. This medicine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent and treat influenza.
For treatment of the flu.
Relenza® is recommended for patients 7 years of age and older for the treatment of flu. The recommended dose of Relenza® is 10 mg and is given twice daily for 5 days. Two doses should be taken on the first day of treatment whenever possible, provided there is at least 2 hours between doses. After the first day, start a schedule of giving the 2 doses approximately 12 hours apart.
To reduce your chances of getting the flu.
Relenza is recommended for patients 5 years of age and older to help reduce a person's chances of getting the flu. If you have been exposed to the flu, the dose is 10 mg given once daily for 10 days. The dose should be given at approximately the same time each day.
How supplied.
Relenza® is taken by mouth as an inhaler. The 10 mg dose is provided by 2 inhalations using the DISKHALER provided. You should be instructed on how to use the DISKHALER by your healthcare provider.
Possible side effects.
As with taking any medication, there could be possible side effects which should be reported to your health care provider. The most common side effects from Relenza® could include allergic reactions (such as swelling or rashes), headaches, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, bronchitis, cough, sinusitis, or ear, nose, and throat infections. There is a risk of increased difficulty breathing, especially among people with a history of underlying breathing problems. If you have increased difficulty breathing, you should stop Relenza® and get medical attention right away.
People with the flu, especially children and teenagers, may be at increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior early in their course of illness. These events may occur shortly after beginning Relenza® or may occur even when flu is not treated. Thus, parents and family members should observe the person for signs of unusual behavior and a health care provider should be contacted immediately if the person shows any signs of unusual behavior.
Do not use Relenza® if:
- You have a history of a severe allergic reaction to Relenza® or lactose.
- You have an underlying airway or lung disease such as asthma or COPD.