Relenza: Prescription Antiviral Medication for Influenza

Relenza is a prescription medication containing zanamivir, which belongs to a group of antiviral drugs. It is used to treat and prevent influenza (flu) virus infections by inhibiting the virus's ability to spread in the body.
Category
Medication
Where to get
Available by prescription at pharmacies.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Relenza FAQ


Image credit: drugs.com

What is Relenza?

treat the flu (influenza A and B virus) in people who are aged 7 years and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 2 days. help prevent the flu in people who are aged 5 years and older.

Why was Relenza developed?

Our expertise in determining protein structure and therapeutic design led to the development of Relenza, the first drug successful in treating the flu. Anti-flu drugs like Relenza have been used to treat millions of flu sufferers worldwide.

Is Relenza safe for children?

Relenza is approved to treat influenza (flu) in children ages 7 years and older who’ve had flu symptoms for no more than 48 hours. It’s also approved to help prevent the flu in children ages 5 years and older. The side effects of Relenza in children are similar to the side effects in adults.

Can Relenza be used as a long-term treatment?

Relenza isn’t meant to be used as a long-term treatment. Relenza is used as a short-term treatment to help prevent or treat the flu. It’s typically taken for 5 or 10 days. However, you can use it for up to 28 days to help prevent the flu if your community has a high number of flu cases.

What is Relenza used for?

Relenza is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body. Relenza is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in people who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Relenza may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Zanamivir will not treat the common cold.

How is Relenza used to prevent and control influenza?

Prophylaxis: Vaccination remains the primary method of preventing and controlling influenza. Relenza is indicated for prophylaxis of Influenza A and B in adults and children (5 years and older) to reduce transmission among individuals in households with an infected person.

How does Relenza affect the economy?

Anti-flu drugs like Relenza have been used to treat millions of flu sufferers worldwide. Influenza, commonly called 'the flu', affects five to 10 per cent of adults and 20 to 30 per cent of children around the world each year. The economic impact is substantial in terms of days off work and productivity lost each year.

Relenza References

If you want to know more about Relenza, consider exploring links below:

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