Relenza

Generic name:zanamivir [ zan-AM-i-vir ]
Drug classes:Inhaled anti-infectives, Neuraminidase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 22, 2020.

What is Relenza?

Relenza is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body.

Relenza is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in people who have had symptoms for less than 2 days.

Relenza may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Zanamivir will not treat the common cold.

Relenza should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu shot to help protect you each year from new strains of influenza virus.

Warnings

Some people using Relenza have had sudden unusual changes in mood or behavior, most often in children. It is not certain that zanamivir is the exact cause. Even without using zanamivir, anyone with influenza can have neurologic or behavioral effects that may lead to confusion or hallucinations. Call your doctor right away if the person using this medicine has any signs of unusual thoughts or behavior.

Relenza should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu shot to help protect you each year from new strains of influenza virus.

Before using Relenza, tell your doctor if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other chronic lung condition. Serious or life-threatening bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) and other effects on the lungs can occur while using this medicine. Stop using Relenza and call your doctor at once if you have wheezing or severe breathing problems. Do not use a nebulizer or ventilator to give this medicine. The inhalation powder should never be mixed with a liquid.

Treatment with this medicine should start as soon as possible when flu symptoms appear, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose.

Do not use an inhaled nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after using this medicine. Zanamivir may interfere with the drug action of FluMist, making the vaccine less effective. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Relenza if you are allergic to zanamivir or to lactose (milk sugar).

Do not use Relenza to treat flu symptoms in a child younger than 7 years old. Children as young as 5 years old may use the medication to prevent flu symptoms.

To make sure Relenza is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other chronic lung condition.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, getting sick with influenza during...