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Relenza: Influenza
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Zanamivir (Relenza) is a new drug, just released in the UK, for the treatment of flu (influenza). It is said, by its manufacturers Glaxo Wellcome, to significantly reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Although it has been licensed to be prescribed by doctors in the UK for this purpose, it has been announced that its use will not immediately be allowed within the National Health Service.
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Relenza® (ruh-LENS-uh) is a medicine to treat influenza (flu, infection caused by influenza virus). It belongs to a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. These medications attack the influenza virus and prevent it from spreading inside your body. Relenza® treats the cause of influenza at its source, rather than simply masking the symptoms.
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Relenza® is a medicine used to treat Influenza, or "flu", which is a specific viral infection. Relenza can be used to prevent symptoms and illness due to influenza infection ... vaccination remains the primary method of preventing and controlling influenza. Relenza may be given to prevent infection due to influenza in circumstances where prophylaxis of healthy young adults is justified. It is not recommended for routine prophylaxis against influenza infection.
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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.
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Relenza is not a substitute for influenza vaccination and the use of Relenza must not affect the evaluation of individuals for annual vaccination. The protection against influenza only lasts as long as Relenza is administered. Relenza should be used for the treatment and prevention of influenza only when reliable epidemiological data indicate that influenza is circulating in the community.
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Relenza has not been proven effective for treatment of influenza in people with underlying airways disease, or for prevention of influenza in nursing homes. The drug is ... not a substitute for the flu vaccine, which is the primary means for preventing influenza. Consumers should continue receiving an annual flu vaccination according to guidelines on immunization practices.
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