Relenza
® (
zanamivir) is a prescription medication used to treat and prevent
the flu (
influenza). When taken at the first signs of the illness, the drug shortens the duration of
flu symptoms. When taken before a person has the flu, such as during an outbreak, Relenza can help prevent the flu. Unlike other
flu medicines, this one is inhaled.
Relenza is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
This medication is believed to work by inhibiting a viral enzyme called neuraminidase. By inhibiting this enzyme, Relenza helps to prevent the release of the virus from infected cells. It does not directly help the cells that have already been infected; instead, it prevents other cells from being infected as well.
Relenza is active against both influenza A and influenza B viruses.
When and How to Take This Medication
Some general considerations for people taking Relenza include the following:
- The medication is inhaled into the lungs, either one or twice a day, depending on several factors. If you take Relenza twice a day, try to space it evenly (every 12 hours). If you take it once a day, try to take it at the same time each day.
- Relenza is inhaled using a special nonpropellant inhaler with special foil disks. Each disk contains four small, foil blisters, which contain the powdered medication. These blisters are punctured, and the powder is inhaled using your own breath.
- Be sure to keep the blister horizontal while taking the drug; otherwise, the powder can spill out.
- Make sure you know exactly how to use the Relenza inhaler. There are several steps necessary to assemble and use it. These steps are clearly outlined in the patient information that comes with the medication.
- For treating the flu, Relenza works better the earlier it is started. Ideally, it should be started within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
