Relenza is used to prevent and treat the influenza virus. This prescription medication can help shorten the duration of symptoms when you take it at the first signs of the flu, and it can also prevent the flu from occurring. Unlike other flu medications, Relenza is an inhaled medication that is used once or twice a day. Potential side effects include dizziness, fever, and joint pain.
Relenza
® (
zanamivir) is a prescription medication used to treat and prevent the flu (
influenza). When taken at the first signs of the flu, 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, Relenza is inhaled.
Relenza is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
Relenza may work by inhibiting a viral enzyme called neuraminidase. By inhibiting this enzyme, the drug helps to prevent the release of the virus from infected cells. Essentially, Relenza 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 Relenza
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 non-propellant 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 Relenza.
- 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.
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