Zanamivir Inhaler – Oral, Relenza

Zanamivir Inhaler – Oral, Relenza

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage

USES: Zanamivir treats flu symptoms if experienced for 2 days or less. It lessens symptoms such as stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, headache, body aches, and tiredness. Recovery time is reduced by 1 to 2 days. Zanamivir also prevents the flu if exposed to someone with the flu or during a flu outbreak. It stops the flu virus from growing. It is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. Zanamivir does not reduce the risk of spreading the flu.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before using zanamivir. Follow all instructions. For flu treatment: inhale through your mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 inhalations twice a day for 5 days. Take two doses on the first day of treatment, waiting at least 2 hours between doses. For flu prevention: inhale through your mouth, usually 2 inhalations once a day. The duration of treatment is 10 days if a household member is sick or 28 days during a flu outbreak, or as directed by your doctor. Remove the cover on the disk inhaler. Check the mouthpiece for cleanliness. Load the medication disk into the inhaler. Puncture one medication blister. Keep the inhaler level to prevent spills. Breathe out through your mouth, put the mouthpiece into your mouth, and breathe in deeply. Hold your breath for a few seconds. To take another inhalation, move to the next medication blister and repeat. Replace the cover of the inhaler. Do not mix this powder with liquids. If a child is using zanamivir, supervise their use. Start zanamivir as soon as possible at evenly spaced intervals every day. Use the medication for the full prescribed time, even if symptoms improve. If you have breathing problems and are scheduled to use inhaled bronchodilators, use the bronchodilator before zanamivir. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if new symptoms appear.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness and increased coughing may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Zanamivir can cause breathing problems, which in rare cases can be fatal. If you experience trouble breathing, stop using zanamivir and seek medical help immediately. Zanamivir is not recommended for those with lung/breathing problems. Serious mental/mood changes may occur. If you notice any signs of unusual behavior, tell your doctor right away. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Get medical help immediately for any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Report other effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using zanamivir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Tell your pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have lung or breathing problems. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you can do so safely. Limit alcohol consumption. Inform your doctor or dentist of all the products you use before having surgery. This drug may be less effective for young children. During pregnancy, use the medication only if necessary. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

QUESTION

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change your dosage without your doctor’s approval. Tell your doctor if you have received flu vaccine in the past 2 weeks. Wait at least 2 days after zanamivir treatment before receiving flu vaccine given in the nose.

OVERDOSE: Contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately if overdose is suspected.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Use the medication only for your current condition. This medication does not substitute the flu vaccine.

MISSED DOSE: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 2 hours of your next dose. Skip the missed dose if this is the case. Do not double the dose.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not puncture the foil blister until ready to take the dose. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets. Properly discard when expired or no longer needed.

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Report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or starting or discontinuing any course of treatment.