About the DISKHALER Delivery System
The DISKHALER Delivery System consists of two major components, the DISKHALER and the RELENZA ROTADISK.
Each circular RELENZA ROTADISK contains 4 regularly spaced double-foil blisters with each blister containing a powder mixture of 5 mg of zanamivir and 20 mg of lactose. [1]
To use, a RELENZA ROTADISK is loaded into the DISKHALER. A blister that contains medication is pierced and the medication is inhaled through the mouthpiece.
Learn about the DISKHALER, teach your patients
Patients should be instructed in the use of the DISKHALER Delivery System. Instructions should include a demonstration whenever possible.
Watch videos on how to use the DISKHALER
Click here to watch videos on how to use the system with adults and with children.
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Important Safety Information
RELENZA IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TREATMENT OR PROPHYLAXIS OF INFLUENZA IN INDIVIDUALS WITH UNDERLYING AIRWAY DISEASE (SUCH AS ASTHMA OR CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE).
- Serious cases of bronchospasm, including fatalities, have been reported during treatment with RELENZA in patients with and without underlying airway disease. Many of these cases were reported during postmarketing, and causality was difficult to assess
- RELENZA SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED IN ANY PATIENT WHO DEVELOPS BRONCHOSPASM OR DECLINE IN RESPIRATORY FUNCTION; immediate treatment and hospitalization may be required
- RELENZA has not been proven effective for treatment of influenza in individuals with underlying airways disease.
- Patients should be instructed in the use of the delivery system. Instructions should include a demonstration whenever possible
- If treatment with RELENZA is considered for a patient with underlying airway disease, the potential risks and benefits should be carefully weighed. If a decision is made to prescribe RELENZA for such a patient, this should be done only under conditions of careful monitoring of respiratory function, close observation, and appropriate supportive care including availability of fast-acting bronchodilators
- Common adverse events in treatment and prophylaxis studies with RELENZA were nausea, diarrhea, sinusitis, viral respiratory infections, headaches, nasal signs and symptoms. The incidence of these adverse events was similar in both groups for RELENZA and placebo-treated groups
Click here for Complete Prescribing Information for RELENZA.
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