Relenza® (zanamivir)

RELENZA®

Relenza is a medicine used to treat Influenza, which is a specific viral infection.

Relenza can be used to prevent symptoms and illness due to influenza infection. However, vaccination remains the primary method of preventing and controlling influenza. Relenza may be given to prevent infection due to influenza in circumstances where prophylaxis is justified (eg when no suitable vaccine is available for the circulating influenza or when there is a pandemic). It is not recommended for routine prophylaxis against influenza infection.

Relenza contains zanamivir and is available only with a doctor's prescription.

Using a Diskhaler device, Relenza is delivered directly to the primary site of infection in the lungs. It works by destroying a chemical on the surface of the influenza virus. This stops the virus multiplying and spreading throughout the nose, lungs and air passages.

Best results are obtained by taking Relenza as soon as possible after developing symptoms. For the prevention of influenza, it should be taken as soon as possible after an outbreak is declared, or after coming into contact with someone who has contracted influenza.

Relenza does not work for the common cold or virus infections other than influenza.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Relenza has been prescribed for you.

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When you must not take it

• Do not take Relenza if you have ever had an allergic reaction to zanamivir, lactose or milk protein.
• Do not take Relenza if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or trying to become pregnant, unless your doctor says you should.
  
  You should discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
  
  
• Do not take Relenza after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.
• Do not take Relenza if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
• If you suffer from asthma or other breathing problems, or if you normally use an asthma inhaler, you should discuss the use of Relenza with your doctor.
  If you're not sure whether you should be taking Relenza, talk to your doctor.
  
  There is a risk that Relenza could cause increased difficulty with breathing, especially if you have asthma or other breathing problems. If you have asthma or breathing problems such as wheezing or shortness of breath which get worse while taking Relenza you should stop taking it and contact your physician. If you have asthma or breathing problems and take Relenza you should have a fast-acting bronchodilator available. If you are to take inhaled bronchodilators at the same time as Relenza you should use the bronchodilator before taking Relenza.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods or medicines or if you are taking any other medicines.

Some medicines may affect the way others work. Relenza is unlikely to be affected by other drugs taken for influenza (for example, paracetamol or cough medicine).

People with influenza, particularly children and adolescents, may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behaviour early in their illness. These events may occur after beginning Relenza or may occur when influenza is not treated. These events are uncommon but may result in accidental injury to the patient. Therefore, patients should be observed for signs of unusual behaviour and contact your doctor immediately if the patient shows any signs of unusual behaviour.

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Things you must do

If you are about to be started on any other medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Relenza.

Things you must not do

Do not stop taking Relenza, or change the dose, without first checking with your doctor.

Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.

Do not use Relenza

Things to be careful of

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know
Relenza affects you.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you have any problems while taking Relenza, even if you do not think the problem is related to the medicine.

Most people taking Relenza find that it causes no problems.

However, very rarely, some people have experienced:

• shortness of breath
• wheezing
• swelling of the face or in the mouth or throat
• an itchy, raised skin rash (hives)
• skin rash which may blister
• a widespread rash with blisters and peeling skin,
• extensive peeling of the skin on much of the body surface.

If this occurs stop taking Relenza and contact your doctor immediately. Many but not all of these patients who had breathing problems had previous asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

If you feel you are experiencing a side-effect, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. There may be some side-effects which are not yet known.

If you think you are having an allergic reaction to Relenza, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital. Symptoms usually include some or all of the following:

• wheezing
• swelling of the lips/mouth/face
• difficulty in breathing
• hay fever
• lumpy rash ("hives")
• fainting

Discuss any concerns you may have regarding Relenza with your doctor or pharmacist.

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