Compare Relenza vs. Symmetrel
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Prevents and reduces the symptoms of the flu.
Relenza (zanamivir) can reduce flu symptoms for people 7 years & older, but they should take it within two days of the flu starting or it won't work.
Treats Parkinson's disease, the flu, and side effects from antipsychotic drugs.
Symmetrel (amantadine) is a generic medicine that can be used alone, or with other medicines to treat early Parkinson's disease.
Upsides
- Relenza (zanamivir) is a great choice for people you don't like swallowing pills.
- Symmetrel (amantadine) can be taken by itself or with other medicines to treat the symptoms of early Parkinson's disease, including muscle spasms, tremors, and difficulty with movements.
- Symmetrel (amantadine) is available in generic and in both a pill and liquid form.
- Compared to other medicines for Parkinson's disease, the side effects are relatively mild.
Downsides
- Start Relenza (zanamivir) within 2 days of getting the flu or else the medicine won't work.
- Taking Relenza (zanamivir) won't stop you from being contagious.
- Relenza (zanamivir) is inhaled so people with breathing problems shouldn't take it.
- Symmetrel (amantadine) sometimes has to be taken multiple times a day.
- Symmetrel (amantadine) can’t stop or cure Parkinson's disease. It can only slow down the progression.
- You can't take certain forms of the flu vaccine if you're taking Symmetrel (amantadine). Talk to your doctor before receiving vaccines.
- You can't stop taking Symmetrel (amantadine) suddenly without talking to your doctor since your Parkinson's can get worse.
Used for
- Flu prevention
- Flu treatment
Dosage forms
- Inhaler
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$66.18
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$14.43
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Reviews
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Side effects
9possible side effects
- Diarrhea3%
- Nausea3%
- Sinus infection3%
- Headaches2%
- Nasal symptoms2%
- Bronchitis2%
- Cough2%
- Sore throat2%
- Dizziness2%
The Symmetrel (amantadine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Nasal flu vaccine won't work
- Had nasal flu vaccine within last two weeks
- Unusual behavior
- Breathing problems
- Asthma
- COPD
- Severe allergic reactions
- Prior severe allergic reaction to Relenza (zanamivir)
- Deaths from overdosage
- Kidney damage or failure
- Higher risk of suicide
- Taking Symmetrel (amantadine) for the flu
- Higher risk of seizures
- History of seizures
- Heart failure
- Heart failure
- History of swelling in the arms or legs
- Lack of impulse control
- Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease