Relenza

	How can I buy Relenza?
	You can buy Relenza in 3 easy to follow steps. It's that simple! Step 1 - Follow the link below to begin your free online diagnosis. This stage should take no longer than a few minutes to complete. Step 2 - Your medical details are reviewed by one of our GMC registered UK doctors. Once this review has taken place, your personalised diagnosis will be sent directly to your inbox. Step 3 - Once you've recieved your diagnosis by email, you will be able to simply login to our members area and place your order which we will then deliver to you the very next day.

What is Relenza?

Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Relenza (Zanamivir) is an antiviral drug, developed to reduce the symptoms of the influenza virus. This includes swine flu, avian (bird) flu and common, seasonal flu. This treatment comes in the form of a powder, developed for inhalation, twice daily for five days or once a day for up to 28 days.

Belonging to the neuraminidase inhibitors group, Relenza was in fact the first drug to be commercially engineered to fight against Influenza type A and Influenza type B. It works in a very similar way to Tamiflu. Its fundamental ingredient, Zanamivir, was first uncovered in 1989 by medical experts and eventually approved under the brand name Relenza.

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What is Swine Flu?

Worldwide there have been three recorded, large scale outbreaks of influenza, in the last 100 years. Experts have claimed these outbreaks to be the result of a new strain of the virus. This leaves us with cause for concern given official reports from the World Health Organisation that the newest H1N1 swine flu strain is also a new strain of the influenza virus.

How does Relenza work to prevent Swine Flu?

The active ingredient, Zanamivir, serves to bind the neuraminidase at the surface of the virus, thus rendering it incapable of progressing. Essentially, an inhaler is utilised to deliver the medication to the main point of infection in the lungs. It works to destroy the chemical on the surface of the virus. This will work to prevent the flu virus from spreading to other cells, confining it to a smaller area. The best results are achieved if the medication is administered as early as possible.

• Symptoms are reduced
• The immune system is strengthened, allowing it to fight the disease faster

When should you take Relenza & who would be suitable for treatment?

Relenza should be administered from the onset of symptoms, or two days minimum. In addition, you should always consult your doctor before beginning any course of medication. Relenza has been approved as a prevention medication against Swine Flu, and will potentially reduce symptoms in adults and children over the age of 5.

Who should not take Relenza

Relenza is not recommended for anybody suffering with chronic lung problems like asthma or obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Equally, you must not take Relenza if you have ever suffered an allergic reaction to Zanamivir, lactose or milk protein. Pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding are also strongly advised against taking this medication, unless a doctor has deemed it safe.

Is Relenza suited to very young children and the elderly?

There is very little information regarding the safety of the product for children under the age of 5, and parents are advised to look into alternatives. However children aged 5 upwards and adults are eligible. However, parents are advised to supervise the use of the inhaler. You are also advised that little is known about the use of Relenza in elderly patients.

Can Relenza be mixed with other medicines?

Certain forms of medication can often affect the progress of other drugs. However, it is unlikely that Relenza will be affected by other treatments like paracetemol, or cough medicines, although you are strongly advised to consult your doctor if you are currently on any other form of medication.

How to take Relenza

Treatment will last 5 days. You are advised to stay with the course, regardless of whether the symptoms subside. It also recommended that you take 2 inhalations of Relenza twice a day, 12 hours apart. Relenza comes packaged inside medicine disks called Rotadisks, and inhaled orally, through a delivery device called a DISKHALER. Each Rotadisk is made up of 4 blisters, containing 5mg of the medication and 20mg of lactose powder. Although comprehensive instructions come with the product, you should :

• Take a deep breath, placing the mouth piece into your mouth.
• Seal your lips around the mouthpiece, without covering the small holes.
• Breathe deeply holding the air for a few seconds.

If needed, repeat the process. Always cover the mouth piece after use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, it is imperative that you do not take double as means of compensation. You must simply continue with the course as soon as possible.

Are there any Side-Effects?

You are advised to consult your doctor before beginning any course of medication. If you experience any adverse effects, you are advised to consult your doctor. Although rare, recorded side effects have included:

• Shortness of breath- although the majority of these patients had previously suffered with asthma of OCPD.
• Swelling of the face, or in the mouth and throat.
• Raised Skin rash (hives).

In the event that any of the above are observes, you must seeking medical advice, and cease the course immediately. Ingredients Relenza contains: zanamivir (5mg) Lactose (20mg). Relenza does not contain gluten.