Fights the flu at the primary site of infection.

Often perceived as a systemic disease, influenza is actually an acute respiratory infection primarily restricted to the lungs and airways. It's onset is initially characterized by fever and upper respiratory symptoms, e.g. sore throat and cough.

• Cytokine release causes systemic symptoms, e.g., high fever, myalgia/arthralgia, and loss of appetite
• Host defences lead to mucosal inflammation

Antiviral action helps shorten the misery of the flu

• Reduces the duration of influenza A & B for adults and adolescents 12 and older*
  
• In North American phase II and III studies, RELENZA shortened the course of flu by up to a median of 1 day
  
• In a Southern Hemisphere phase III study, a 1.5-day difference in median time to symptom improvement was observed
  
• Additional evidence of efficacy was provided by a phase III European study

For maximum benefit, therapy with RELENZA should be initiated as soon as possible and within 2 days of symptom onset. There are no data on the effectiveness of treatment with RELENZA when initiated more than 2 days after the onset of signs or symptoms.

* Across all phase III studies, 89% of patients had influenza A and 11% had influenza B.

• Side effects comparable to placebo with no adverse events >3% in over 2,500 patients
  
  
• The most commonly reported side effects vs. placebo were diarrhoea (3% vs. 4%), nausea (3% vs. 3%), and sinusitis (3% vs. 2%)
  
  
• CNS, gastrointestinal, and other systemic effects are comparable to placebo

• No clinically significant drug interactions expected, based on data from in vitro studies
  
• Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that approximately 4% to 17% of the inhaled dose is systemically absorbed
  
• Not metabolised, no interference with P450 liver enzymes
  
• Limited plasma protein binding (<10%)
  
• No interference with the antibody response to the influenza vaccine

The safety and efficacy of RELENZA have not been established in patients with high-risk underlying medical conditions and may cause bronchospasm and/or a decline in lung function in patients with severe or decompensated COPD or asthma. These patients should have fast-acting inhaled bronchodilators available.

• Indicated for treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza virus in adults and adolescents 12 years and older
  
• Breath-activated, nonaerosol oral DISKHALER®
  
• Two inhalations (2 x 5 mg) twice daily--approximately 12 hours apart--5 days

Patients should be instructed in the use of the delivery system, including a demonstration whenever possible.

Relenza is not indicated for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers or children below the age of 12. It should be used with caution in patients with asthma or other chronic lung conditions.

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