Type of medicine: antiviral
Generic and brand names: zanamivir, inhalation; Relenza
This medicine is used to prevent or treat illness caused by influenza virus type A and type B. It works best when you have had symptoms for 2Â days or less. This medicine is a powder that is inhaled by mouth using a device called a Diskhaler.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
This medicine may make lung problems worse. If you have asthma or chronic lung problems, you should have a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator (such as albuterol) on hand in case this medicine causes breathing problems. Talk with your healthcare provider about this. If your healthcare provider prescribes a fast-acting inhaler for you to use at the same time as this medicine, use it first, and then use this medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed.
The medicine comes in blister packs containing powder for inhalation.
Read and follow closely the instructions that come in the medicine package. If this medicine is prescribed for a child, an adult who understands how to use the device should supervise the dosing. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to show you how to use the device. Be sure that you understand how to use the device through which you inhale this medicine and how much to inhale.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within 2 hours of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
This medicine is not effective against any types of flu other than influenza A and B. This medicine does not take the place of a yearly flu shot.
Behavior changes may be caused by the medicine or by the flu. Contact your provider right away if you or your family notice any disturbing changes in your thoughts or behavior, such as: more outgoing or aggressive behavior than normal, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures.
Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
The use of this medicine will not reduce the risk of spreading influenza to others.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Increased wheezing, shortness of breath, swelling in the face, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), confusion, abnormal behavior, seizures.
Other: Nausea; diarrhea; vomiting; cough; stuffy or runny nose; earache; sore throat; dizziness; headache.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have received, or plan to receive:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not open or puncture the Rotadisk blister pack until you are ready to use it.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
