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Zanamivir Dry Powder Inhaler

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Oct.26.2023

Zanamivir Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

What is this medication?

ZANAMIVIR (za NA mi veer) prevents and treats infections caused by the flu virus (influenza). It works by slowing the spread of the flu virus in your body and reducing how long your symptoms last. It belongs to a group of medications called antivirals. It will not treat colds or infections caused by bacteria or other viruses. It will not replace the annual flu vaccine.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is inhaled through the mouth. Use it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use a spacer device with this inhaler. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your care team. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask your care team if you have any questions.

If you are using a bronchodilator inhaler, like albuterol, use that inhaler first.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Wheezing or trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Cough
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Headache
Irritation inside the nose or throat
Nausea
Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not puncture any of the foil blisters until you are ready to take that dose. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

Kidney disease
Live in a nursing home
Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
Recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccination
Seizures
An unusual or allergic reaction to zanamivir, milk proteins, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Live attenuated influenza vaccine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If you have a lung condition, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, you may be at a higher risk for having breathing problems while you are taking this medication. Make sure to have a fast acting inhaler to treat breathing problems. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short acting inhalers more often, call your care team right away.

If you have the flu, you may be at an increased risk of developing seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior. This occurs early in the illness, and more frequently in children and teens. These events are not common, but may result in accidental injury to the patient. Families and caregivers of patients should watch for signs of unusual behavior and contact a care team right away if the patient shows signs of unusual behavior.

To treat the flu, start taking this medication within 2 days of getting flu symptoms.

This medication is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. Talk to your care team each year about an annual flu shot.