Influenza Prophylaxis
in the Household
When seasonal influenza infects a household member,
RELENZA can be effective
in helping to prevent the
spread of influenza in the rest of the household. [5,11]
In a study of 487 households with a suspected case of influenza, 19% of households receiving placebo had at least one contact who developed laboratory-confirmed influenza compared to 4% of households receiving RELENZA prophylaxis (10 mg once daily for 10 days).
Study Characteristics
- Randomized, double-blind study
- 487 households: 242 placebo; 245 RELENZA
- 1291 contacts: 630 placebo; 661 RELENZA
- Suspected influenza was defined as having at least 2 of the following symptoms: fever or feverishness; cough; headache; sore throat; and myalgia.
- The index patient in each household was not treated with RELENZA.
- Study performed at 59 centers in 11 countries, including
the U.S. [5]
Use where and when spread of infection is most likely
RELENZA is effective in the prophylaxis of influenza in the household setting and may be considered as "targeted prophylaxis." Targeted prophylaxis is given at a time when the spread of influenza infection is most likely in the household—because of either intrafamilial transmission or new introductions of infection. Other locales appropriate for targeted therapy include the workplace. [5]
Recommended dose in household setting
The recommneded dose of RELENZA for prophylaxis of influenza in adults and pediatric patients 5 years of age and older in a household setting is 10 mg once daily for 10 days. [1]
RELENZA is well-tolerated
RELENZA is well-tolerated, with side effects comparable to placebo. [6] For information on adverse events during prophylaxis use in the household setting, click here.
For information about serious adverse events such as bronchospasm and allergic-like reactions and for safety information in patients with underlying airways disease, see Prescribing Information for RELENZA.
next:
RELENZA’S Prophylactic Efficacy in Community Settings
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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