Relenza
DESCRIPTION AND SIDE EFFECTS
BUY
Relenza
overview:
Relenza™ is used to treat symptoms caused by
the flu virus (influenza). It helps make the symptoms (e.g., stuffy
nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, aches, tiredness) less severe
and shortens the recovery time by 1-2 days. Relenza™ is also used
to prevent the flu if you have been exposed to someone who already has
the flu.
DIRECTIONS:
Inhale Relenza™ 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. Relenza™ works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept
at a constant level. Take Relenza™ at evenly spaced intervals (e.g.,
every 12 hours). Continue to take Relenza™ 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.
side effects:
The most common side
effects seen with Relenza™ are 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: cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, fatigue,
muscle or joint pain, ear pain. A serious allergic reaction to this drug
is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms
of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling,
dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Relenza™ is supplied in a
circular double-foil pack (a ROTADISK) containing 4 blisters of the
drug. Five ROTADISKS are packaged in a white polypropylene tube. The
tube is packaged in a carton with 1 blue and gray DISKHALER inhalation
device.
warnings and precautions:
Before taking Relenza™,
tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to milk
proteins (not lactose intolerance); or if you have any other allergies.
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: lung or breathing
problems (e.g., asthma, COPD), kidney problems. Limit alcohol intake, as
it may intensify certain side effects of this medication (e.g.,
dizziness). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g.,
driving). This medication is not generally recommended for treatment of
flu if you have lung problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema/COPD). This
medication can cause breathing problems (e.g., bronchospasm), which in
rare cases can be fatal. If you have lung/breathing problems and are
using this medication, have a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator (e.g.,
albuterol inhaler) readily available. If you experience breathing
problems, stop using Relenza™ and contact your doctor immediately. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist for details. This medication should be used
only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is passed
into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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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