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| Pronunciation |
|
 (za
NA mi
veer) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Relenza® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Antiviral Agent |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to zanamivir or any other part of the
medicine.
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|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used to treat the flu. It shortens the length of
symptoms by about 1 day. It will do nothing for the common cold. It may be used
for adults and children 7 years or
older.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Zanamivir prevents the flu from spreading inside the body. You already
have the flu, but this medicine attacks the flu
virus.
|
|
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| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
- Take 2 doses on the first day of treatment if possible. Separate by at
least 2 hours that first day.
- For inhaling (puffing) only.
- Begin medicine as soon as possible. Start as soon as you get it.
- Take in the morning and evening for 5 days.
- Read and follow directions enclosed with medicine. If you are not sure
how to use then talk with healthcare provider.
- Children who use should be instructed by an adult for correct use.
- Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by
healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
- Take entire prescription as directed even if feeling
better.
|
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|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
|
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|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- This medicine is not to be taken in place of the flu shot. If
healthcare provider has recommended the flu shot then you need to get it.
- Tell healthcare provider if you have lung disease such as asthma or
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This medicine is not generally used in
patients with these diseases.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Nasal and throat discomfort.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Cough.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea.
|
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| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Changes in the flu. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
- Any wheezing or shortness of breath after using the medicine. Stop
using the medicine.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse after 3 or 4
days.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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