LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Relenza: Patients
built 615 days ago
Relenza is a new, inhaled treatment for influenza A and B infection. Since the beginning of the influenza season in Europe and North America this year, in excess of 500,000 prescriptions for Relenza have been dispensed. Adverse events, including bronchospasm and/or decline in respiratory function, some of which have been serious, have been reported in association with the use of Relenza during the Northern Hemishpere influenza season. These events have been reported rarely in patients with underlying respiratory disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) and have ... been reported very rarely in patients without underlying respiratory disease.
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Relenza is a powder that is inhaled twice a day for five days from a breath-activated plastic device called a Diskhaler for treatment of influenza. For preventive use to reduce the risk of getting influenza, Relenza is inhaled once daily for 10 to 28 days as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Patients should get instruction from a health-care practitioner in the proper use of the Diskhaler, including a demonstration when possible. Relenza has not been shown to be effective, and may carry risk, in patients with severe asthma or a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some patients with mild or moderate asthma experienced bronchospasm (marked by shortness of breath) after using Relenza.
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If you have any questions about Relenza (Zanamivir), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. Relenza (Zanamivir) is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about Relenza (Zanamivir). If you have any questions about Relenza (Zanamivir), ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Because Relenza may cause allergic reactions, you should immediately stop treatment and seek emergency medical attention in case such effect may occur. Allergic reactions caused by Relenza may vary between difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tong and face or hives. In patients with asthma or COPD may ... occur symptoms like bronchospasm or decreased lung function, which may become severe or even fatal. You should also keep at hand a fast-acting bronchodilatator as albuterol, bitolterol, metaproterenol or pirbuterol in case these symptoms occur.
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Clinical studies with over 6,000 patients worldwide show that Relenza is well tolerated, with a safety/tolerability profile similar to placebo. "A favourable side effect profile is key," said Dr. Allison McGeer, Director of Infection Control at Mount Sinai Hospital. "The flu can make you feel just awful and the last thing you want to have is treatment-related side effects on top of your flu symptoms."
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Relenza is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Relenza may ... be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Relenza will not treat the common cold.
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