Zanamivir (Inhalation—Systemic)

Brand Names : Relenza

Before Using This Medicine

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to zanamivir.

Pregnancy - Zanamivir has not been studied in pregnant women. However, zanamivir has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether zanamivir passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children - This medicine is not recommended for use in children younger than 7 years of age

Note:

This medicine is available in Canada. It is not recommended in children younger than 12 years of age.

Adolescents - This medicine has been tested in children 12 years and older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in these children than it does in adults.

Older adults - This medicine has been tested in older adults and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older adults than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over the counter [OTC]) medicine before using zanamivir.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of zanamivir. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Lung Disease - Patients with lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma) may experience trouble breathing with the use of zanamivir. Zanamivir may not work in patients with chronic lung disease.

• Heart Disease - Zanamivir may not work in patients with heart disease.