Please note IAS no longer stocks Relenza and recommends Tamiflu for influenza

Relenza is designed for the prevention and treatment of influenza

Relenza contains Zanamivir and it has been developed by GlaxoSmithKline for the prevention and treatment of influenzas, and remains a front line product of choice for Bird-Flu. Relenza is unique, being only one of two neuraminidase inhibitors currently available, (the other is Tamiflu). These drugs have potent antiviral activity because they selectively block the viral surface of the enzyme neuraminidase, thereby preventing the release of virus particles from infected cells.

Relenza is active against influenza A and B viral neuraminidase and to date no known resistance is known to exist. It is the main reason why Relenza is a drug of choice for Bird Flu. To read an article about the threat of bird-flu and the options for treatment and protection, please click here.

To use this product, check that the mouthpiece is clean and free of foreign objects before use.

1. Load the medication disk into the diskhaler.
2. Puncture one medication blister.
3. Keep diskhaler level so that medication will not spill.
4. Breathe out through the mouth, put the mouthpiece into your mouth and breathe in deeply.

Hold your breath for a few seconds so that the medication will stay in your lungs. (If you have been directed by your physician to inhale a second time, advance to the next medication blister and repeat the process). Once you have inhaled the number of times prescribed, replace the cover of the diskhaler.

Note that this medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take the drug at evenly spaced intervals (e.g., every 12 hours) and continue to take Relenza until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms improve. Stopping the medication too early may allow the virus to continue to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection.

It is highly recommended that this medication be used within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. If you have breathing problems (asthma or COPD) and are scheduled to use inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) at the same time as Relenza, use the asthma medication before using Relenza.

Dosage:
For the treatment of influenza symptoms, Relenza is inhaled through the mouth, with the use of the supplied inhaler. There are generally two inhalations (5 mg. each) twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart) for 5 days, or as directed by your doctor.

Alternatively for prevention, one inhalation (5mg. each) can be used once daily if there is a known outbreak in your region. Generally the course should be continued for a minimum of 5-days, although depending upon risk/ need, in some cases is continued for up-to 6-weeks thus allowing for the pandemic to pass.

Side effects:
The side effects of nausea, diarrhoea or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor/ pharmacist promptly. If you would like to see how this product and others have been used in the treatment of biological agents, please click here.

What our customers say...

Relenza will provide much needed relief to the millions people who are expected to get the flu this year Dr. A. Phillips, Canada