Relenza (Zanamivir)

• Active ingredient: Zanamivir Inhalation
• Drug class: Neuraminidase Inhibitors
• Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Relenza (Zanamivir) is a prescription medicine for the treatment of influenza and for reducing the chance of getting the flu. These medications attack the influenza virus and prevent it from spreading inside your body.

You should not buy Relenza and use it if you have chronic lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Currently, zanamivir is available only as brand name drug Relenza and is rather expensive.

Relenza (Zanamivir) is approved to help to prevent getting influenza A and B in children and adults age 5 years and older in community and household settings. Using an antiviral medicine can make you less likely to get the flu.

For preventive use to reduce the risk of getting influenza, Relenza is inhaled once daily for 10 to 28 days as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Relenza is packaged in medicine disks called ROTADISKS® and is inhaled by mouth using a delivery device called a DISKHALER®.

• Relenza is not recommended for people with chronic respiratory disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Read your entire leaflet before using. Even if you have had a previous prescription for Relenza, read the leaflet to see if any information has changed.
• The usual dose is 2 inhalations. However, you must take the number of inhalations your healthcare provider has prescribed.
• If you feel worse or develop new symptoms during or after treatment, or if your flu symptoms do not start to improve, stop using the medicine and contact your healthcare provider.
• Always check inside the mouthpiece to make sure it is clear before each use. If foreign objects are in the mouthpiece, they could be inhaled and cause serious harm.
• Always replace the cover after each use.