Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: ZANAMIVIR - ORAL INHALER (zuh-NAM-uh-veer)
BRAND NAME(S): Relenza
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat illness (symptoms) caused by the flu virus (influenza).
OTHER USES: Zanamivir may also be used to prevent the flu (e.g., in household members exposed to a flu sufferer).
HOW TO USE: 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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to 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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