Peramivir, Injection

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is given by IV to treat influenza. This medicine is not a substitute for a flu vaccine.
• This medicine may cause behavior changes in some people. This medicine may also cause other unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: influenza virus neuraminidase inhibitor; antiviral

Generic and brand names: peramivir, injection; Rapivab

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat influenza in adults over age 18. This medicine should be given within 2 days of when flu symptoms start. This medicine does not treat bacterial or other types of infections.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before you take this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• Kidney disease

Tell your healthcare provider if you have gotten the nasal-spray flu vaccine within the past 2 weeks. Do not get the nasal spray flu vaccine for at least 48 hours after you receive this medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by a healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

People with the flu who receive this medicine may have behavior changes. Contact your provider right away if you notice changes in thoughts or behavior, such as:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Suicidal thoughts

If you develop hives, an itchy rash, or peeling skin after receiving this medicine, contact your provider right away.

This medicine is not a substitute for a flu vaccine. You should continue to get a flu vaccine every year.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

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 healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare 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 healthcare provider right away.): Confusion; hallucinations; depression; suicidal thoughts; severe skin rash or redness, peeling, or blisters.

Other: Constipation, trouble sleeping, diarrhea.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Live flu vaccine (FluMist nasal spray)

Do not get the nasal spray flu vaccine for at least 48 hours after you receive this medicine.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.