Relenza is an anti-viral medication used to treat cases of type A and B influenza. Relenza is administered using a inhaler device twice daily for five days. Relenza can also be taken as a preventative measure.
Tests showed that patients infected with the 2009 H1N1 swine influenza outbreak could be treatable with Relenza. In response, pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline increased the production of the medication in April 2009.
Controversial Side-Effects
Relenza has been attributed to such side-effects as a worsening of respiratory diseases to abnormal behavior and delirium. Although very uncommon, Relenza can cause patients to engage in self-innjury and even death.WebMD: New Warnings for Flu Drug Relenza (April 2, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Generic name
zanamivir
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Distributor
GlaxoSmithKline
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Fact:
Treatment of type A and B influenza
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Tests show treatment effective against H1N1 swine flu
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Administered with a specially designed inhaler
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Used as back-up for Tamiflu
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Inhibits neuraminidase, "N" in H1N1
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Approved by FDA for ages 7 and up
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Has caused serious side effects, especially in those with any respiratory disease
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Also approved for preventative use
