Relenza

Dizziness may occur. Also, because this medication is an inhaled powder, you may experience increased coughing after using it. If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication can cause breathing problems, which in rare cases can be fatal. If you experience trouble breathing such as wheezing or shortness of breath, stop using zanamivir and get medical help right away. Zanamivir is not recommended if you have lung/breathing problems. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. However, if your doctor decides you should use zanamivir, have a quick-relief inhaled bronchodilator (such as albuterol inhaler) readily available.

The flu itself or zanamivir may rarely cause serious mental/mood changes. This may be more likely in children. Tell your doctor right away of any signs of unusual behavior, including confusion, agitation, self-injury.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using zanamivir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as lactose, milk proteins), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung or breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This drug may be less effective for young children. They may be unable to breathe in deeply enough using this inhaler device to get enough drug to benefit them.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Tell your doctor if you have received flu vaccine in the nose in the past 2 weeks. If given too closely together, zanamivir may interfere with the protection from flu vaccine given in the nose. Wait at least 2 days after the end of zanamivir treatment before receiving flu vaccine given in the nose.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

This medication is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. Consult your doctor about the risks and important benefits of receiving a yearly flu shot to lower your chances of getting the flu.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Do not use the missed dose if it is within 2 hours of your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not puncture the foil blister until you are ready to take your dose. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.