Relenza
(zanamivir)
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Prevents and reduces the symptoms of the flu.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
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.
Quick facts about Relenza
- Drug class: infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Relenza (zanamivir) is a great choice for people you don't like swallowing pills.
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What to expect from Relenza, on one page
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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.
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What to expect from Relenza, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Relenza (zanamivir) is an antiviral medication that stops the flu from making copies of itself.
Quick facts about Relenza
- Drug class: infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Flu prevention
- Flu treatment
Dosage forms
- Inhaler
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 1 (5mg) inhaler of Relenza near
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- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$65.30
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Relenza (zanamivir) for Flu
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Nasal symptoms
- Cough
- Sore throat
Side effect rates for Relenza (zanamivir)
From 2652 clinical trials of Relenza when taken for reduce flu symptoms (10 mg bid inhaled)
- Diarrhea3%3%4%4%
- Nausea3%3%3%3%
- Sinus infection3%3%2%2%
- Headaches2%2%3%3%
- Nasal symptoms2%2%3%3%
- Bronchitis2%2%3%3%
- Cough2%2%3%3%
- Sore throat2%2%2%2%
- Dizziness2%2%1%1%
0%
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Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Relenza.
Relenza (zanamivir)
Placebo
People taking Relenza felt side effect more
People taking Relenza felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Relenza (zanamivir)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Had nasal flu vaccine within last two weeks
Relenza (zanamivir) should not be taken if the patient has had a nasal flu vaccine within the last two weeks.