Zanamivir, Inhalation

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is inhaled through the mouth to prevent or treat illness caused by influenza virus type A and type B. Use it exactly as directed.
• This medicine does not replace the yearly flu shot. You should still get a flu vaccine every year.
• This medicine may cause 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: antiviral

Generic and brand names: zanamivir, inhalation; Relenza

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to prevent or treat illness caused by influenza virus type A and type B. It works best when you have had symptoms for 2 days or less. This medicine is a powder that is inhaled by mouth using a device called a Diskhaler.

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

• An allergic reaction to any medicine or to lactose (milk protein)
• Asthma or any chronic lung problems. This medicine may make lung problems 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. Talk with your healthcare provider about this. If your healthcare provider prescribes a fast-acting inhaler for you to use at the same time as this medicine, use it first, and then use this medicine.

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 use 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?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children under age 7.

The medicine comes in blister packs containing powder for inhalation.

Read and follow closely the instructions that come in the medicine package. If this medicine is prescribed for a child, an adult who understands how to use the device should supervise the dosing. Ask your healthcare 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.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within 2 hours of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

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 replace the yearly flu shot. You should still get a flu vaccine every year.

People with the flu, particularly children and teens, who take this medicine may have behavior changes. Contact your provider right away if you or your family notice any disturbing changes in your thoughts or behavior, such as: more outgoing or aggressive behavior than normal, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures.

Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

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

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using 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.): Increased wheezing, shortness of breath, swelling in the face, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), confusion, abnormal behavior, seizures, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting.

Other: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, stuffy or runny nose, earache, sore throat, dizziness, headache, nightmares.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any 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 have received, or plan to receive:

• Live vaccines (Do not get the nasal spray flu vaccine for at least 48 hours after you use 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.

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.

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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.

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.