Certain medications could cause drug interactions with zanamivir, including other inhalers and the intranasal flu vaccine. These interactions can decrease the effectiveness of the medications, and you may need to take them at different times. To avoid these and other potential drug interactions with zanamivir, tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking.
Drug Interactions With Zanamivir: An Overview
Zanamivir (
Relenza®) can potentially interact with a few other medicines. Some of the medicines that may lead to drug interactions with zanamivir include:
More Information on Interactions With Zanamivir
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when zanamivir is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Other Inhalers
If you have a dose of a bronchodilator inhaler (an inhaler used to open the airways, such as for
asthma or
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) scheduled at the same time as a dose of zanamivir, take the bronchodilator first, before zanamivir. Remember, zanamivir is not usually recommended for people who have lung diseases, such as asthma or
COPD.
Intranasal Flu Vaccine (FluMist)
Zanamivir may decrease the effectiveness of the intranasal flu vaccine. You must stop taking zanamivir at least 48 hours before getting the intranasal flu vaccine, and you should not take zanamivir for two weeks after the vaccine. This interaction does not apply to the traditional, injected flu vaccine.
Final Thoughts on Drug Interactions With Zanamivir
It is possible that not all drug interaction with zanamivir were discussed in this article. Therefore, you should talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the specific drug interactions that may apply to you.
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