Drugs & Vitamins

Relenza Active Ingredients: Zanamivir Representative Names: Relenza Available Product Images: What is zanamivir inhalation powder? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with zanamivir? What side effects may I notice from using zanamivir? What should I watch for while taking zanamivir? Where can I keep my medicine? What is zanamivir inhalation powder? (Back to top) ZANAMIVIR inhalation powder (Relenza®) is a drug used to treat infections caused by two of the most common flu viruses. Zanamivir may decrease the length of time you experience symptoms of the flu by 1—2 days. Zanamivir may also help to reduce the risk of spreading the flu to others. A generic zanamivir inhalation powder is not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) If you are also using a bronchodilator inhaler (such as albuterol) use that inhaler first. Wait a few minutes before using zanamivir. Zanamivir inhalation powder is for regular inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The usual regimen is 2 inhalations twice daily, morning and night, at regular intervals for 5 days. On the first day, make sure to take 2 doses (each consisting of 2 inhalations) at least 2 hours apart. Open and prepare the mouthpiece of the Diskhaler® device and load the zanamivir Rotadisk® to activate the first dose (see package instructions). Holding the Diskhaler® mouthpiece level to, but away from, the mouth, breathe out as much air as is comfortable. Do not breathe into the mouthpiece! Next, place the device mouthpiece loosely between your open lips and over your tongue, keeping the device level with your mouth. Slowly breathe the dose in. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds and then exhale (breathe out). Wait a minute between inhalations and repeat the above procedure. Do not use more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Children of ages 7 and up have used zanamivir inhalations for the treatment of the flu. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) There are no known drug interactions with zanamivir. 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 side effects may I notice from using zanamivir? (Back to top) Side effects due to zanamivir are uncommon and are not usually severe, however, some less common side effects can be serious. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •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 prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •coughing •diarrhea •dizziness •headache •nasal congestion •nausea and vomiting What should I watch for while taking zanamivir? (Back to top) Contact your prescriber or health care provider if you have bronchospasms or difficulty breathing after using zanamivir. If you have asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema you may be at a higher risk for having these side effects. Make sure you have an inhaler available when using zanamivir if you have asthma or other chronic lung disease. If you are using an inhaler while taking zanamivir, use your inhaler first, wait a few minutes, and then take zanamivir. Finish the whole 5-day course of treatment even if you start to feel better sooner. The entire treatment is needed to make sure the infection is totally treated. 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. Where can I keep my 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). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:11/10/2003 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.