Relenza is indicated for prophylaxis of influenza in adults and pediatric patients aged 5 years and older.

For an optimal effect of the drug it is necessary to be aware of its correct mode of administration, possible side effects and general facts.

• Relenza has not been proven effective for treatment of influenza in individuals with underlying airways disease.
• Relenza has not been proven effective for prophylaxis of influenza in the nursing home setting.
• Relenza is not a substitute for early influenza vaccination on an annual basis as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control’s Immunization Practices Advisory Committee.
• Influenza viruses may change over time. Emergence of resistance mutations could decrease drug effectiveness. Other factors might also diminish clinical benefit of antiviral drugs. Health care professionals should consider available information on influenza drug susceptibility patterns and treatment effects when deciding whether to use Relenza.
• There is no evidence for efficacy of zanamivir in any illness caused by agents other than influenza virus A and B.
• Relenza is not recommended for treatment or prophylaxis of influenza in individuals with underlying airways disease (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) due to risk of serious bronchospasm.
• The drug was invented in Australia in the 1980s and licensed to Glaxo Wellcome by the Australian company, Biota Holdings, Inc. The license gives Glaxo Wellcome the right to develop and market Relenza worldwide.
• Patients inhale Relenza orally using a hand-held, breath-activated device called a Diskhaler®. When the patient takes a breath, Relenza is delivered directly to the surface of the respiratory tract, the primary site of infection where the influenza virus replicates. Over 6,000 patients worldwide have participated in clinical trials to date.

Filed under: Relenza