Relenza

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:

• Pull off the blue cover. Make sure the mouthpiece is clean and free of foreign objects. Pull the white mouthpiece until the tray is extended.
• Hold the corners of the white tray and pull out gently until you can see all the raised ridges on the sides of the tray.
• Put your finger and thumb on the ridges, squeeze inward, and gently pull the tray out of the body of the inhaler.
• Place a disk on the wheel and then slide the tray back into the inhaler until it clicks firmly into place.
• To replace the empty disk with a full disk, follow the same steps you used to load the inhaler.

To use the inhaler:

• Hold the inhaler flat in your hand. Do not turn it over or drop it because the medication (which is a loose powder in the inhaler) may spill out.
• Lift the flap. When the flap is raised as far as it will go, a plastic needle will break a blister containing one inhalation of medication. Do not lift the flap if the cartridge is not in the inhaler. Doing this will break the needle and you will need a new inhaler.
• After the blister is broken open, close the lid. Keeping the inhaler flat and well away from your mouth, breathe out to the end of a normal breath.
• Raise the inhaler to your mouth and place the mouthpiece in your mouth.
• Close your lips around the mouthpiece and tilt your head slightly back. Do not bite down on the mouthpiece. Do not block the mouthpiece with your teeth or tongue. Do not cover the air holes on the side of the mouthpiece.
• Breathe in through your mouth as steadily and as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath.
• Hold your breath and remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Continue holding your breath as long as you can (for at least 3 seconds and up to 10 seconds) before breathing out. This gives the medication time to settle in your airways and lungs.
• Hold the inhaler well away from your mouth and breathe out to the end of a normal breath.
• Prepare the cartridge for your next inhalation. To automatically advance to the next blister, pull the white tray by the edges until it stops (don't remove it).
• Take the second puff following exactly the same steps you used for the first puff.
• When you are finished, wipe off the mouthpiece and replace the cover to keep the mouthpiece clean and free of foreign objects. You may drink water afterwards.

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.