STORAGE:
Store relenza at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F(15
to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
USES:
Relenza is used to treat illness (symptoms) caused by the flu
virus (influenza).
SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, diarrhea or headache may occur. If any of these effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but
serious side effects: cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, fatigue,
muscle or joint pain, ear pain.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
OTHER USES OF RELENZA:
It may also be used to prevent the flu (e.g., in household members
exposed to a flu sufferer).
HOW TO USE:
Inhale relenza through the mouth, generally 2 inhalations twice
daily (approximately 12 hours apart) for 5 days, or as directed
by your doctor. When possible, take two doses (each dose is 2
inhalations) on the first day of treatment, waiting at least two
hours between doses.
Learn all usage instructions in the product package and ask your
doctor or pharmacist for advice if you are unclear about any of
the information.
Check the mouthpiece to be sure it is free of foreign objects
before use. Load the medication disk into the diskhaler. Puncture
one medication blister. Keep diskhaler level so that medication
will not spill. Breathe out through the mouth, put the mouthpiece
into your mouth and breathe in deeply. Hold your breath for a
few seconds so that the medication will stay in your lungs. If
you have been directed to inhale a second time, advance to the
next medication blister and repeat the process. Once you have
inhaled the number of times prescribed, replace the cover of the
diskhaler.
Relenza works best when the amount of medicine in your body is
kept at a constant level. Take the drug at evenly spaced intervals
(e.g., every 12 hours).
Continue to take relenza until the full prescribed amount is
finished, even if symptoms improve. Stopping the medication too
early may allow the virus to continue to grow, resulting in a
relapse of the infection.
It is recommended that relenza be used within 48 hours of the
start of flu symptoms.
If you have breathing problems (asthma or COPD) and are scheduled
to use inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) at the same time
as zanamivir(relenza), use the asthma medication before using
relenza. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, lung
or breathing problems (e.g., asthma, COPD), kidney problems.
Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify certain side effects of this medication
(e.g., dizziness). Use caution when performing tasks requiring
alertness (e.g., driving).
Relenza is not generally recommended for treatment of flu if
you have lung problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema/COPD).
Relenza can cause breathing problems (e.g., bronchospasm), which
in rare cases can be fatal. If you have lung/breathing problems
and are using this medication, have a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator
(e.g., albuterol inhaler) readily available. If you experience
breathing problems, stop using zanamivir and contact your doctor
immediately. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details.
Relenza should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug is passed into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication
you may use, especially: inhaled medications such as albuterol.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Consult your doctor about the risks and important benefits of receiving a yearly
flu shot (vaccination) to prevent infection.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose of relenza, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose
to catch up.