What is zanamivir?
Zanamivir is an antiviral medication. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body.
Zanamivir is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had
symptoms for less than 2 days. Zanamivir 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.
Zanamivir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zanamivir?
Zanamivir 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.
Do not use zanamivir without first talking to 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 zanamivir.
If you have asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung disease, make sure you have a fast-acting
inhaled bronchodilator available to treat any serious breathing problems that may occur while using
zanamivir. Fast-acting bronchodilators include albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), bitolterol (Tornalate),
metaproterenol (Alupent), and pirbuterol (Maxair). Talk with your doctor about which medicine is best
for you.
If you are scheduled to use a bronchodilator at the same time as zanamivir, use the inhaler first.
Vaccines may be harmful to an unborn baby and generally should not be given to a
pregnant woman. However, not vaccinating the mother could be more harmful to the baby if the
mother becomes infected with a disease that this vaccine could prevent. Your doctor will decide
whether you should receive this vaccine, especially if you have a high risk of infection with H1N1
influenza (also called "swine" flu).
It is not known whether zanamivir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication to
treat
flu symptoms in a child younger than 7
years old. Children as young as 5 may use the medication to
prevent
flu symptoms.
How should I take zanamivir?
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 zanamivir should start as soon as possible when flu symptoms appear, such as
fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose.
Zanamivir 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 zanamivir 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 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 zanamivir, use the inhaled bronchodilator before using
zanamivir.
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.
Store zanamivir at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away the
DISKHALER after your treatment ends.
What happens if I miss a dose of zanamivir?
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.
Where can I get more information about zanamivir?
Your pharmacist has information about zanamivir written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of zanamivir?
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 zanamivir have had rare side effects of confusion, delirium and
self-injury. These symptoms have occurred most often in children. It is not known whether zanamivir
was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using zanamivir should be watched closely
for signs of confusion or unusual behavior. Call a doctor at once if you or the child using zanamivir has
any of these symptoms.
Stop using zanamivir 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.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US
Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.
What is the most important information I should know about zanamivir?
Zanamivir is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had
symptoms for less than 2 days. Zanamivir 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.
Treatment with zanamivir 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 this medication to
treat
flu symptoms in a child younger than 7
years old. Children as young as 5 may use the medication to
prevent
flu symptoms.
Do not use an inhaled nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within 2 weeks before or 24 hours after
using zanamivir. Zanamivir may interfere with the drug action of FluMist, making the vaccine less
effective. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Before using zanamivir, 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 zanamivir. Stop using
zanamivir and call your doctor at once if you have wheezing or severe breathing problems.
If you have asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung disease, make sure you have a fast-acting
inhaled bronchodilator available to treat any serious breathing problems that may occur while using
zanamivir. Fast-acting bronchodilators include albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), bitolterol (Tornalate),
metaproterenol (Alupent), and pirbuterol (Maxair). Talk with your doctor about which medicine is best
for you.
Some people using zanamivir have had rare side effects of confusion, delirium and
self-injury. These symptoms have occurred most often in children. It is not known whether zanamivir
was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using zanamivir should be watched closely
for signs of confusion or unusual behavior. Call a doctor at once if you or the child using zanamivir has
any of these symptoms.
Zanamivir 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.
What should I avoid while taking zanamivir?
Do not use an inhaled nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within 2 weeks before or 24 hours after
using zanamivir. Zanamivir may interfere with the drug action of FluMist, making the vaccine less
effective. Follow your doctor's instructions.
What other drugs will affect zanamivir?
There may be other drugs that can interact with zanamivir. 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.
What happens if I have an overdose of zanamivir?
