If you take certain medications with Relenza, drug interactions could occur that can decrease the effectiveness of the medications. Some of the medications that may negatively interact with Relenza include other inhalers and the intranasal flu vaccine. Before using this drug, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about potential Relenza drug interactions that may apply to you.
Relenza Drug Interactions: An Overview
Relenza® (
zanamivir) can potentially interact with a few other medicines. Some of the medicines that may lead to Relenza drug interactions include:
Relenza Interactions Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when Relenza is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Other Inhalers
If you have a dose of a bronchodilator inhaler (an inhaler used to open the airways, such as for
asthma or
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) scheduled at the same time as a dose of Relenza, take the bronchodilator first, before Relenza. Remember, Relenza is not usually recommended for people who have lung diseases, such as asthma or
COPD.
Intranasal Flu Vaccine (FluMist)
Relenza may decrease the effectiveness of the intranasal flu vaccine. You must stop taking Relenza at least 48 hours before getting the intranasal flu vaccine, and you should not take Relenza for two weeks after the vaccine. This interaction does not apply to the traditional, injected flu vaccine.
Final Thoughts on Relenza Drug Interactions
It is possible that not every drug interaction was discussed in this article. Therefore, you should talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the Relenza drug interactions that may apply to you.
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