Zanamivir

Zanamavir is an antiviral medication. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body.

Zanamavir is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Zanamavir may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Zanamavir will not treat the common cold.

Zanamavir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

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

Zanamavir is packaged in disk-shaped foil packs that contain 4 blisters of medicine. These disks are placed into a device called a DISKHALER that you will use to inhale the medicine. The device opens and loads a blister of Zanamavir each time you use the inhaler. The disk device is not to be used with a spacer. Follow the patient instructions provided with the DISKHALER. Do not use a nebulizer or ventilator to give Zanamavir. Zanamavir inhalation powder should never be mixed with a liquid. Do not use any other medicines in the DISKHALER. Always put the cover back on the device when not in use.

To treat flu symptoms: Use 2 inhalations every 12 hours for 5 days. Your doctor may tell you to use two doses on the first day of treatment, spaced at least 2 hours apart. On the following days, the doses should be spaced 12 hours apart. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To prevent flu symptoms: Use 2 inhalations every 24 hours for 10 to 28 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you have a chronic respiratory disease such as asthma or COPD and you are scheduled to use an inhaled bronchodilator at the same time as Zanamavir, use the inhaled bronchodilator before using Zanamavir. Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Zanamavir is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Zanamavir may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Zanamavir will not treat the common cold.

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Call your doctor if you miss several doses.

Store Zanamavir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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

There may be other drugs that can interact with Zanamavir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people using Zanamavir have had rare side effects of confusion, delirium and self-injury. These symptoms have occurred most often in children. It is not known whether Zanamavir was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using Zanamavir should be watched closely for signs of confusion or unusual behavior. Call a doctor at once if you or the child using Zanamavir has any of these symptoms. Stop using Zanamavir and call your doctor at once if you have wheezing or severe breathing problems.
Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• infection of your ear, nose, or throat;
• stuffy or irritated nose; or
• cough or respiratory symptoms.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.