« Back to Press Releases & Article Home

Rely on Relenza
Relenza (zanamivir), an anti-viral drug, has been approved as a treatment for uncomplicated influenza illness in persons aged 7 years or above...

Date : May 22, 2006

Relenza (zanamivir), an anti-viral drug, has been approved as a treatment for uncomplicated influenza illness in persons aged 7 years or above. This medication treats type A and B influenza, the two types most responsible for flu epidemics including the seasonal flu and pandemic flu. It belongs to a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors, which attack and destroy the influenza virus.

As soon as the typical flu symptoms (sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, fatigue, body aches, and sore throat) are observed, immediate medical attention is necessary and clinical studies have shown that Relenza is most effective in patients who have started the treatment within two days of the onset of flu symptoms. Patients taking Relenza have recovered approximately one day faster on the average than those who did not take Relenza.

Relenza has been found to effective in treatment of avian influenza caused by the H5N1 virus strain. This strain is usually found in the wild birds and is very contagious among them. It proves to be fatal when domestic poultry gets infected. Human beings have been known to pick up this influenza virus due to exposure to H5N1 infected birds.

For flu treatment purposes Relenza is inhaled as a powder twice a day for five days from a breath-activated plastic device called a Disk haler. Continue with the treatment even if symptoms subside before the end of the prescribed dose. For preventive use, to reduce the risk of getting influenza, Relenza is inhaled once daily for 10 to 28 days as prescribed by the doctor.

Always consult your doctor before using Relenza. The daily dose may be altered according to your medical condition, including respiratory allergies, and you should always adhere to the prescribed dose. Further, ask your doctor to give you a full demonstration in the use of the Disk haler. Store Relenza at room temperature and away from reach of children.

Relenza is not recommended for people with underlying respiratory disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If you feel any respiratory discomfort, nausea or diarrhea after inhaling Relenza, seek medical help. Pregnant and nursing mothers should always discuss their condition before going on a course of Relenza.

There is no known interaction between Relenza and other medicines but use caution if you are using inhaler based medication. Relenza is a prescription medication and can be easily purchased from drugstores and online pharmacies. Relenza is not a substitute for influenza vaccine. You should continue to get your annual flu shot. Always remember that prevention and good personal hygiene is better than cure.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------