zanamivir

Brand name(s):

Relenza

What is the most important information I should know about zanamivir?

Zanamivir is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Zanamivir may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Zanamivir will not treat the common cold.

Treatment with zanamivir should start as soon as possible when flu symptoms appear, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose.

Do not use this medication to treat flu symptoms in a child younger than 7 years old. Children as young as 5 may use the medication to prevent flu symptoms. Do not use an inhaled nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within 2 weeks before or 24 hours after using zanamivir. Zanamivir may interfere with the drug action of FluMist, making the vaccine less effective. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not use zanamivir without first talking to your doctor if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other chronic lung condition. Serious or life-threatening bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) and other effects on the lungs can occur while using zanamivir. Stop using zanamivir and call your doctor at once if you have wheezing or severe breathing problems.

If you have asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung disease, make sure you have a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator available to treat any serious breathing problems that may occur while using zanamivir. Fast-acting bronchodilators include albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), bitolterol (Tornalate), metaproterenol (Alupent), and pirbuterol (Maxair). Talk with your doctor about which medicine is best for you.

Some people using zanamivir have had rare side effects of confusion, delirium and self-injury. These symptoms have occurred most often in children. It is not known whether zanamivir was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using zanamivir should be watched closely for signs of confusion or unusual behavior. Call a doctor at once if you or the child using zanamivir has any of these symptoms. Zanamivir should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu shot to help protect you each year from new strains of influenza virus.

What is zanamivir?

Zanamivir is an antiviral medication. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body.

Zanamivir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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