Relenza

Pronounced: rell-EN-zuh
Generic name: Zanamivir

Why is Relenza prescribed?

Relenza is an antiviral drug that hastens recovery from the flu. Victims who begin taking Relenza within the first 2 days of their illness typically start to feel improvement a day earlier than they would otherwise. The drug is believed to work by interfering with the spread of virus particles inside the respiratory tract.

Most important fact about Relenza

There is no evidence that Relenza protects you from catching the flu, and it will not prevent you from spreading the flu virus to others.

How should you take Relenza?

Relenza is delivered directly to the lungs by oral inhalation from a Diskhaler device. To benefit from the drug, you must begin taking it within 48 hours of feeling the first symptoms of flu, and must finish the entire 5-day course of treatment.

Be sure to take two doses on the first day, allowing at least 2 hours between them. On the following days, take a dose every 12 hours (morning and evening). Do not puncture a blister containing the drug until you are ready to use it.

Children should use this drug only under the supervision of an adult.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Symptoms experienced during Relenza therapy are virtually the same as those associated with untreated flu. Problems reported during clinical tests are listed below.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, bronchitis, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, ear infection, headache, fatigue, fever, hives, joint pain, muscle ache, nasal infection, nasal symptoms, nausea, sinus inflammation, throat infection, vomiting

Why should Relenza not be prescribed?

If Relenza gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot use this drug.

Special warnings about Relenza

Relenza has been known to cause serious and potentially fatal breathing problems, especially in people who have asthma or other chronic pulmonary disorders. If you develop breathing difficulties such as wheezing or shortness of breath, stop taking Relenza and call your doctor immediately.

Relenza is generally not recommended for anyone with a chronic pulmonary disease. If you do use it under these circumstances, be extremely cautious, and make sure that you have a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator (Proventil Inhaler or Ventolin Inhaler) available and ready to use whenever you take it. If you use an inhaled bronchodilator regularly and have a dose scheduled at the same time as Relenza, use the bronchodilator first.