Product Details: Relenza (Zanamivir)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an antiviral agent used to treat the flu (influenza A and B) in patients 7 years of age and older who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. This medicine may also be used to prevent the flu in patients 5 years of age and older or for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. If you are not sure how to use this device, ask your pharmacist to show you how. Do not puncture the medicine blister until you are ready to take a dose. IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA OR OTHER BREATHING PROBLEMS (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) and you are scheduled to use a dose of your bronchodilator inhaler at the same time as this medicine, use the bronchodilator before using this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). CONTINUE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR THE FULL COURSE OF TREATMENT even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses.

Cautions

DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product, to lactose, or to milk protein. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop new or worsening lung or breathing problems such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or other signs of bronchospasm. IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) be sure to always carry a fast-acting bronchodilator inhaler with you to use in case of bronchospasm while using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT INFLUENZA. This medicine will not prevent you from spreading influenza to others. THIS MEDICINE MAY INTERFERE WITH THE NASAL INFLUENZA (FLU) VACCINE. Do not use this medicine if you have received the nasal influenza (flu) vaccine within the past 2 weeks, unless your doctor tells you to. Do not receive the nasal influenza (flu) vaccine for at least 48 hours after you use this medicine, unless your doctor tells you to. Talk with your doctor if you will be receiving, or have recently received, the nasal influenza (flu) vaccine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially confusion, abnormal behavior and seizures. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

NO COMMON SIDE EFFECTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED with the proper use of this medicine. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience abnormal behavior or other behavior changes, confusion, difficulty swallowing, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, mood or mental changes, seizures, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest or throat, or wheezing. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice any unusual effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Active Ingredients

Zanamivir