Zanamivir, Inhalation

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiviral

Generic and brand names: zanamivir, inhalation; Relenza

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to treat illness caused by the influenza virus in people 12 years old and older. It works best when symptoms have been present for 2 days or less. It is effective in treating both influenza A and influenza B. This medicine is a powder that is inhaled by mouth using a device called a Diskhaler.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your health care provider if you have asthma or any chronic lung problems because this medicine may make them worse. If you have asthma or chronic lung problems, you should have a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator (such as albuterol) on hand in case this medicine causes breathing problems. Discuss this with your health care provider. If your health care provider prescribes a fast-acting product for you to use at the same time as this medicine, use it first, and then use this medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

The medicine comes in blister packs containing 5 mg of powder for inhalation.

Ask your health care provider or pharmacist to show you how to use the device. Be sure that you understand how to use the device through which you inhale this medicine and how much to inhale. Read the instructions that come in the medicine package.

1. To load the Diskhaler, remove the cover and cartridge unit.
2. Place a disk on the wheel with the numbers facing up and slide the unit back into the Diskhaler.
3. Gently push the cartridge in and out until the number 8 appears in the window.
4. The Diskhaler is now ready for use. Keep the Diskhaler level so the medicine does not spill out.
5. Raise the lid up as far as it will go. This will pierce the blister.
6. Close the lid.
7. Breathe out and place the mouthpiece between your teeth and lips. Make sure you don't cover the air holes at the sides of the mouthpiece.
8. Tilt your head back slightly.
9. Breathe in deeply and forcefully. Your breath pulls the medicine into your airways and lungs.
10. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can.
11. Sometimes you need to breathe in 2 or 3 times to make sure you have inhaled the full dose.
12. If a second blister is prescribed, advance the cartridge to the next number and repeat the steps.

Take the medicine for the full 5 days of treatment, even if you begin to feel better.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine is not effective against any types of flu other than influenza A and B. This medicine does not take the place of a yearly flu shot to prevent the influenza.

The use of this medicine will not reduce the risk of spreading influenza to others.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Increased wheezing, shortness of breath.

Other: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, bronchitis, cough, sinusitis, ear, nose and throat infection, dizziness, headache.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not open or puncture the Rotadisk blister pack until you are ready to use it.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.