Zanamivir belongs to the family of medications called antivirals. It is used to treat flu infections caused by two Influenza viruses (influenza A and influenza B) for adults and children 7 years of age and older.
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The recommended dose of zanamivir to treat influenza in adults and children 7 years and older is 20 mg, taken as 2 puffs in the morning and 2 puffs in the evening for 5 days. You should start the medication within 2 days of when you start to feel flu symptoms. The 2 doses should be as close to 12 hours apart as possible and the first 2 doses should be taken on the first day of treatment as long as there is at least 2 hours between the doses.
The recommended dose of zanamivir to prevent influenza in adults and children 7 years and older is 10 mg, taken as 2 puffs once a day at the same time each day for 10 to 28 days. The length of treatment will depend on the person and will be determined by your doctor.
Zanamivir is used with a special inhaler. Read the directions in the package carefully before using it. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use the inhaler.
To load the inhaler with the medication:
To use the inhaler:
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use Relenza exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose (within 2 hours), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store Relenza at room temperature in a dry place and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Relenza. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Relenza with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Relenza. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Relenza.
Each Relenza Rotadisk consists of a circular foil disk with 4 regularly distributed blisters each containing 5 mg of zanamivir. A diskhaler inhalation device is provided to administer the medication. Nonmedicinal ingredient: lactose.
Do not use Relenza if you are allergic to zanamivir or any ingredients of the medication.
There may be an interaction between zanamivir and any of the following:
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with Relenza. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Relenza.
Asthma or breathing disorders: Relenza can cause serious breathing problems (wheezing, difficulty breathing). If you do take Relenza and you have asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), make sure you have your fast-acting bronchodilator available. If your dosing schedule requires both your bronchodilator and zanamivir to be used at the same time, use your bronchodilator first.
If you develop worsening breathing problems such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing, stop using zanamivir and contact your doctor as soon as possible. Zanamivir is generally not recommended for people with a history of breathing disorders (e.g., asthma, COPD).
Effectiveness: Zanamivir is not effective for treating flu symptoms that have been present for more than 2 days.
Flu shots: Zanamivir is not a substitute for the flu shot. Continue to receive an annual flu shot as advised by your doctor.
Lactose: Relenza contains lactose. People who are allergic to milk proteins should not use zanamivir.
Mental health: There have been reports of people who experienced delirium and abnormal behaviour while taking zanamivir. The exact link between zanamivir and these behaviours have not been established. If you experience any changes in behaviour, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Relenza should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Relenza, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if zanamivir passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Relenza, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Relenza have not been established for children under 7 years of age.
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