RELENZA ® Zanamivir

RELENZA ® is a Zanamivir-based drug

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antivirals for systemic use - neuraminidase inhibitor

Indications RELENZA ® Zanamivir

RELENZA ® is indicated in the treatment and post-exposure prevention of influenza in high-risk patients in communities where the virus is circulating.

Mechanism of action RELENZA ® Zanamivir

RELENZA ® is a medicinal product used in the treatment and post-exposure prevention of influenza in high-risk patients, based on Zanamivir, an active ingredient classified as a neuraminidase inhibitor and therefore able to bind and block the spread of the virus in the mucosa and between the host's epithelial cells.
More precisely, once taken by oral inhalation, the drug is distributed mainly in the upper respiratory tract, the primary site of infection by binding one of the external antigens of the virus and preventing it from taking root in the respiratory mucosa and spreading along the respiratory tract.
All this translates into a significant reduction in the severity of the symptoms and a shortening of illness times with a relatively early resumption of work and social activities and above all with greater control of the spread of the virus itself.
At the end of its activity, Zanamivir, still as it is, is largely eliminated through the urine, following glomerular filtration.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

ZANAMIVIR BY INTRAVENOUS WAY
J Infect Dis. 2013 Jan 1; 207: 196-8.

Clinical experience with intravenous zanamivir under an emergency investigational new drug program in the United States.

Chan-Tack KM, Gao A, Himaya AC, Thompson EG, Singer ME, Uyeki TM, Birnkrant DB.

Interesting work that evaluates the responsive capacities to intravenous treatment with Zanamivir for particularly critically ill patients affected by pandemic influenza caused by the H1N1 virus

EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF THE ANTI-INFLUENTAL THERAPY WITH ZANAMIVIR
Indian J Pharmacol. 2012 Nov-Dec; 44: 780-3.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of oseltamivir and zanamivir in pandemic influenza treatment.

Tuna N, Karabay O, Yahyaoğlu M.

Work conducted on over 130 patients that demonstrates how Zanamivir therapy can be as safe as that with other antivirals, however ensuring a faster remission of symptoms and in particular of fever. However, this therapy should be supervised by medical personnel especially due to the risk of respiratory distress.

INFLUENCE AND RESISTANCE TO ZANAMIVIR
Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2013 Jan 28.

Evaluation of recombinant 2009 pandemic influenza A / H1N1 viruses harboringzanamivir-resistance mutations in mice and ferrets.

Pizzorno A, Abed Y, Rhéaume C, Bouhy X, Boivin G.

Experimental study that demonstrates how even influenza viruses can develop mutations capable of conferring natural resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors, such as Zanamivir, thus causing an aggravation of the clinical picture in progress.

Method of use and dosage

RELENZA ®
Oral inhalation powder in a single-dose container of 5 mg of Zanamivir.
The dosage schedule useful for the treatment and prevention of viral influenza should be defined by your doctor on the basis of the patient's physiopathological and clinical characteristics.
In order to ensure the maximum therapeutic efficacy of the drug, it would be advisable to inhale the drug orally through the special device supplied with the drug.

Warnings RELENZA ® Zanamivir

Therapy with RELENZA ® must necessarily be preceded by a careful medical examination aimed at evaluating the prescribing appropriateness of the drug and the possible presence of conditions such as to compromise the state of health of the patient undergoing therapy with Zanamivir.
For this reason, the utmost caution should be reserved in patients suffering from bronchopneumopathies, liver and kidney diseases at the same time undergoing drug therapy with RELENZA ®, since the pharmacokinetic variations responsible for side effects are known.
It should also be remembered that RELENZA ® does not in any way replace vaccination, which represents a preventive strategy with different indications, such as the seasonal prevention of flu.
RELENZA ® contains lactose therefore its intake is contraindicated in patients with lactase enzyme deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome and lactose intolerance.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The absence of clinical trials able to fully characterize the safety profile of Zanamivir for fetal health requires the extension of the contraindications to the use of RELENZA ® also during pregnancy and in the subsequent breastfeeding period.

Interactions

The low metabolism that RELENZA ® undergoes significantly reduces the risk of clinically relevant drug interactions.

Contraindications RELENZA ® Zanamivir

RELENZA ® is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active substance or to any of its excipients.

Undesirable Effects - Side Effects

The use of RELENZA ®, especially when prolonged over time, could cause the onset of dermatological manifestations of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, neurological and psychiatric symptoms such as behavioral alterations, hallucinations, delirium and alterations in the state of consciousness.
Respiratory adverse reactions such as bronchospasm and asthma occurred only rarely.

Note

RELENZA ® is a prescription drug.

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