Relenza

• 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 lung disease. If you do use it under these circumstances, be extremely cautious, and make sure that you have a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator (a type of asthma medication such as albuterol) 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.

Relenza can also cause serious allergic reactions. If you experience swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or develop a skin rash, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor.

Serious bacterial infections may begin with flu-like symptoms or may coexist with the flu. Relenza has no effect on such infections.

Relenza has not been tested in people with medical conditions severe enough for possible hospitalization. Use it with caution if you have any kind of serious health problem in addition to the flu.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Relenza

No interactions have been reported. If you regularly use an inhaled bronchodilator (a type of asthma medication) and have a dose scheduled at the same time as Relenza, use the bronchodilator first.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Relenza during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor. It is not known whether Relenza appears in breast milk. Caution is recommended if you are breastfeeding.