Relenza Diskhaler

Zanamivir

(za NA mi veer)

Relenza Diskhaler

It is used to treat or prevent the flu. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you have a milk allergy. If you have any of these health problems: Asthma or other breathing problems like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or sleep apnea (breathing problems during sleep). This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. This drug is not to be taken in place of a flu shot. If your doctor told you to get the flu shot, you need to get it. This drug does not treat the common cold. This drug does not stop the spread of the flu to others. Talk with your doctor before getting a flu vaccine after taking this drug. Talk with your doctor before you take this drug if you have just gotten a flu vaccine. Some people have had very bad breathing problems with this drug. Most of the people who had this problem had asthma or other breathing problems like COPD, but some did not. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Talk with the doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of ear, nose, or throat infection like fever, chills, redness or white patches in mouth or throat, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, or discharge coming out of the ear. Shortness of breath. Trouble breathing that is new or worse. Chest pain. People with the flu can have nervous system problems and behavior problems that can lead to death. The chance may be higher in children. Call your doctor right away if you have change in thinking clearly and with logic, change in the way you act, speech problems, shakiness, seizures, or hallucinations.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Dizziness or headache. Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up. Nose or throat irritation. Cough. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Keep using this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well. For breathing in only. Use this drug after other breathed in drugs. Do not puncture a blister until you are ready to take a dose.

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is less than 2 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.