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CHEMICAL NAME
ZANAMIVIR.
INDICATIONS
Relenza(Zanamivir) is an antiviral agent used to treat influenza in patients who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days.
DIRECTIONS
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 (e.g., 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. If your condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist. 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 (e.g., albuterol) at the same time as zanamivir, use the asthma medication before using zanamivir. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
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.
SIDE EFFECTS
No common side effects have been reported with the proper use of this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you have trouble breathing. If you notice any unusual effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd) and have a dose of the bronchodilator inhaler scheduled at the same time as this medicine, use the bronchodilator before using this medicine. Be sure to always carry a fast-acting bronchodilator inhaler with you to use in case of bronchospasm while using this medicine. This medicine will not prevent influenza. This medicine will not prevent you from spreading influenza to others. For women: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
INFORMATION
If your asthma, COPD, or your symptoms become worse while using this medicine, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
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.
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