Relenza Antiviral Medication Overview

Relenza is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription drug available in pharmacies.
Zanamivir
Active ingredient
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Relenza FAQ


Image credit: drugs.com

What is Relenza?

treat the flu (influenza A and B virus) in people who are aged 7 years and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 2 days. help prevent the flu in people who are aged 5 years and older.

Does Relenza contain zanamivir?

How to store Relenza Relenza contains zanamivir, which belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals. Relenza is used to treat flu (influenza virus infection). It reduces the symptoms of flu, and helps you recover more quickly. Relenza is also used to help prevent you from getting flu, during a flu outbreak.

Is Relenza safe for children?

Relenza is approved to treat influenza (flu) in children ages 7 years and older who’ve had flu symptoms for no more than 48 hours. It’s also approved to help prevent the flu in children ages 5 years and older. The side effects of Relenza in children are similar to the side effects in adults.

Can Relenza be used as a long-term treatment?

Relenza isn’t meant to be used as a long-term treatment. Relenza is used as a short-term treatment to help prevent or treat the flu. It’s typically taken for 5 or 10 days. However, you can use it for up to 28 days to help prevent the flu if your community has a high number of flu cases.

What is Relenza used for?

Relenza is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body. Relenza is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in people who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Relenza 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.

Why should I report side effects of Relenza?

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. Relenza is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies

When should I start using Relenza?

If there is a flu outbreak in your local community, follow your doctor’s advice on when to start using Relenza. The amount of Relenza you use depends on whether you already have flu, or you are using Relenza to help prevent flu. blisters) twice a day for 5 days. (2 blisters) once a day for 10 days.

Relenza References

If you want to know more about Relenza, consider exploring links below:

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