Zanamivir (Inhalation—Systemic)

Brand Names : Relenza

Proper Use of This Medicine

Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a flu shot if you have not had one yet. This medicine works best if taken as soon as possible after exposure to people who have the flu. If you already have the flu, continue taking this medicine for the full time of treatment even if you begin to feel better after a few days. This will help to clear up your infection completely. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. This medicine should be taken for 5 days.

Inhaled zanamivir is used with a special inhaler and usually comes with patient directions. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your health care professional to show you what to do.

To load the inhaler:

• Pull off the blue cover. Make sure the mouthpiece is clean and free of foreign objects.
• Pull the white mouthpiece until the tray is extended.
• Hold the corners of the white tray and pull out gently until you can see all the raised ridges on the sides of the tray.
• Put your finger and thumb on the ridges, squeeze inward, and gently pull the tray out of the body of the inhaler.
• Place a disk on the wheel and then slide the tray back into the inhaler
• To replace the empty disk with a full disk, follow the same steps you used to load the inhaler.

To use the inhaler:

• Hold the inhaler flat in your hand.
• A plastic needle will break the blister containing one inhalation of medicine. When the flap is raised as far as it will go, the blister will be pierced. Do not lift the flap if the cartridge is not in the inhaler. Doing this will break the needle and you will need a new inhaler.
• After the blister is broken open, close the lid. Keeping the inhaler flat and well away from your mouth, breathe out to the end of a normal breath.
• Raise the inhaler to your mouth, and place the mouthpiece in your mouth.
• Close your lips around the mouthpiece and tilt your head slightly back. Do not bite down on the mouthpiece. Do not block the mouthpiece with your teeth or tongue. Do not cover the air holes on the side of the mouthpiece.
• Breathe in through your mouth as steadily and as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath.
• Hold your breath and remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Continue holding your breath as long as you can up to 10 seconds before breathing out. This gives the medicine time to settle in your airways and lungs.
• Hold the inhaler well away from your mouth and breathe out to the end of a normal breath.
• Prepare the cartridge for your next inhalation. Pull the mouthpiece to extend the tray then push it in until it clicks. The disk will turn to the next dose. Do not pierce the blister until just before the inhalation.
• Take the second puff following exactly the same steps you used for the first puff.
• When you are finished, wipe off the mouthpiece and replace the cover to keep the mouthpiece clean and free of foreign objects.

Dosing - Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.

• For treatment of flu (Influenza A and Influenza B)
  • Adults and children 7 years and older - Two puffs twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart in the morning and evening) for 5 days. Two doses should be taken on the first day of treatment whenever possible provided there are at least 2 hours between doses. Zanamivir must be started within 48 hours after the onset of signs and symptoms of the flu.
• Canada:
  For treatment of flu (Influenza A and Influenza B)
  • Adults and children 12 years and older - Two puffs twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart in the morning and evening) for 5 days. Two doses should be taken on the first day of treatment whenever possible provided there are at least 2 hours between doses. Zanamivir must be started within 48 hours after the onset of signs and symptoms of the flu.

Missed dose - This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the lungs. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. It is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times day and night.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.