Relenza - Zanamivir - Oral Inhaler Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Relenza.
• Relenza
• zuh-NAM-uh-veer

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose, 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.

Overdose

• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Read Before Using Relenza (precautions)

• Tell your doctor your medical history, including.

Medicinal Applications

• This medication is used to treat illness (symptoms) caused by the flu virus (influenza).

Relenza Miscellaneous 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.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially.

Relenza Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Other Medicinal Applications

• Zanamivir may also be used to prevent the flu (for example, in household members exposed to a flu sufferer).

Possible 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.

Usage Instructions

• Inhale the medication 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.
• This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level.
• Take the drug at evenly spaced intervals (for example, every 12 hours).
• Continue to take this medication 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 this medication 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 (for example, albuterol) at the same time as zanamivir, use the asthma medication before using zanamivir.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.