PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of allergy to egg or egg products, immune deficiency (e.g., agammaglobulinemia, HIV infection, leukemia, lymphoma, other cancers, radiation). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: fever, illness, infections, history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, asthma, lung (respiratory) disorders (e.g., reactive airway disease), chronic metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes), kidney disease, certain other blood disorders (e.g., hemoglobinopathies), any other allergies. After receiving the vaccine, you may shed influenza virus through the nose for up to 3 weeks. Tell laboratory personnel that you have used this medication. Nasal/oral specimens will test positive for influenza virus during this time. Also avoid close contact (e.g., same household) with people who are immunocompromised (e.g., HIV infection, cancer therapy) for at least 21 days. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Contact your doctor for more details. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: children or adolescents (5-17 years of age) taking aspirin. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting nasal influenza vaccine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other vaccines, other nasal products, steroids (e.g., prednisone), drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus), other anti-influenza drugs (e.g., rimantadine, amantadine). 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. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• oseltamivir, Tamiflu - Learn about Tamiflu (oseltavivir), a drug prescribed for the treatment of flu infections including H1N1 (swine flu) infections. Tamiflu is recommended for pregnant women, adults, and children one year of age or older.
• Flu Vaccine - Get the facts about influenza vaccine (flu shot) ingredients, side effects and vaccination effectiveness. Learn who should (children, pregnant women, elderly) and shouldn't get a flu shot.
• Swine Flu - Get the facts on swine flu (swine influenza A H1N1 virus) history, symptoms, how this contagious infection is transmitted, prevention with a vaccine, diagnosis, treatment, news and research.

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