Relenza

Drug name: Relenza

Active Ingredients:

• Zanamivir

Therapeutic actions: Relenza(Zanamivir) is a type of drugs called a neuraminidase inhibitor.

Relenza works by binding to the neuraminidase on the surface of the virus and therefore the virus stops working. This prevents the flu virus from spreading and infecting other cells. The symptoms of the infection becomes less severe and easier for the body's immune system to kill the virus .

Indications:
Relenza is used to treat:

• to treat flu (influenza type A or B) in adults and children aged five years and over, when the infection is circulating in the community.
• to prevent of flu (influenza type A or B) in people, who have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with flu.
• to prevent of flu (influenza type A or B) in people during a pandemic or in cases when flu vaccination doesn't provide protection against the flu virus that is circulating.

Contraindications and cautions:You should not use Relenza :

• if you have an allergy to Zanamivir
• if you have galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency , glucose-galactose malabsorption
• if you are pregnant
• if you are breastfeeding

You should talk with your health care provider prior to taking Relenza if you experience any of this conditions:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Asthma.
• weakened immune system, for example due to HIV infection

Warning!
Relenza should be inhaled using the diskhaler provided.
If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) use bronchodilator inhaler, you should use it before inhaling your dose of Relenza.

Relenza can cause the airways to narrow after it has been inhaled, so breathing becomes difficult

Adverse effects: There are possible side-effects associated with this medicine that can affect individuals in different ways. If a side effect is stated here, that does not necessarily mean the fact that all people using this medicine will experience it or any other.

• Narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm).
• Allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat.
• breathing disorders (dyspnoea).
• Throat tightness.
• Rash.

Relenza side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with Relenza, please read the information provided with this medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with Relenza. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to other bronchodilator inhalers.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE this medicine with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.