Antiviral "Zanamivir": reviews, instructions for use, description, analogies

In the period of epidemics and colds, which are more often in the cold season, people use all sorts of ways to increase immunity. Some people use ancient and proven recipes for folk medicine. Others resort to medicinal compounds. Opinions of doctors about such prevention strongly differ.

This article will tell you about what the Zanamivir drug has. You will learn about the trade names of this medication and can get acquainted with the reviews about them.

Drugs containing zanamivir

In modern pharmacy chains you can purchase a medicine with the trade name "Relenza". It is only recently released on medical prescription. However, unscrupulous sellers can give it away without a corresponding piece of paper.

Many consumers are interested in whether there are other available drugs containing zanamivir? It is possible to answer with full confidence this question negatively. Manufacturers of medicines have not yet created an absolute substitute for this drug.

general characteristics

What is the drug "Zanamivir" reviews, you can find out more. To begin with, it is worth giving a description of this drug. As you already know, the trade name of the drug is Relenza. The composition is in the form of a powder. It is used exclusively by inhalation. Internal use is unacceptable and contraindicated.

The composition of the drug includes 20 doses. Each of them contains 5 milligrams of zanamivir. Lactose can also be noted among the additional substances. In the kit for the drug "Zanamivir" the instruction is attached necessarily. Also in the package there is an apparatus for inhalation of the drug. The method of using it is described in detail in the annotation.

Cost of medicinal product

What is the price of the drug with the active substance zanamivir price? It all depends on where you will buy the medicine. In pharmacy chains that release the product according to the appropriate prescription, the drug costs about 1300 rubles for one pack. In the event that you do not have a doctor's appointment, pharmacists can, from their own advantage, inflate the price to 2,000 rubles and release you the product. Repeatedly such situations were registered.

Also, some consumers say that the price of Zanamivir is about 3-5 thousand rubles. In this case, the medication is ordered through the Internet. Such manipulation does not require a prescription, however it is completely illegal. Please note that the medicinal compounds must be purchased exclusively at the relevant points, licensed and authorized to sell them. Treatment with poor-quality medicines acquired in clandestine locations can lead to disastrous consequences.

Than to replace a preparation?

The active substance of zanamivir analogs is different. As you already know, the drug does not have an absolute substitute, which would have an identical composition. However, there are means with another active substance working in the same way. The closest drug to the described will be the drug "Tamiflu." Zanamivir and oseltamivir relate to inhibitors of neurominidase. They block the release of harmful particles from cells that are already infected with the virus. Note that the active substances zanamivir and oseltamivir are unique. They have no analogues with the same composition. The drug "Tamiflu" is available in tablets for internal use and can not be used by inhalation.

Has an active substance zanamivir analogs and another plan. Such drugs include "Interferon", "Isoprinosine", "Rimantadine", "Anaferon", "Derinat", "Isoprinozin" and many others. They all have a lower cost. At the same time, they are available for sale without appropriate prescriptions from the doctor. The listed medicines can be in the form of tablets, injections, drops for nasal application and inhalations.

Indications for use

As you already know, the drug with the active substance zanamivir (Relenza) is sold exclusively on prescription. In this case, you must appoint a doctor therapist. The doctor writes out a form on which the amount of the drug and the duration of the course of use are indicated. Also, your data (name and surname) are mandatory. On this document you can freely purchase the specified facility.

The drug Zanamivir (Relenza) is used as an antiviral and immunomodulating agent. It is used for treatment and for preventive purposes. The annotation states that the powder for inhalation is prescribed for the influenza A and B virus . At the same time, doctors sometimes recommend the medication in other situations. The medicine can be used for viral bronchitis, pneumonia and other diseases.

Restrictions in use

About the drug "Zanamivir" instruction says that it should not be used with increased sensitivity to the components of the drug. No composition is prescribed for diabetes and lactase deficiency. On this, the funds end.

However, doctors have a slightly different view on this matter. They supplement the described data with others. About the drug "Zanamivir" reviews specialists say that the drug should not be used by children under the age of 5 years. All because the baby can not take the drug correctly. Also in said means, it is not possible to divide the present dose into several parts.

additional information

Can I use Tamiflu and Zanamivir in pregnancy and lactation? As you already know, medications are contraindicated for young children. So can they harm the baby through his mother's body? We will deal with this issue.

The annotation states that you should not use the described medication in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the second and third part of the term, use is only permissible according to the doctor's prescription, taking into account all risks. Physicians are of a different opinion. About the medicine "Zanamivir" (trade name - "Relenza"), specialists report the following. Administration of the drug in large doses, as well as the use of the analogue "Tamiflu," can have a teratogenic effect on the developing fetus. It is especially dangerous to use drugs in a large dose.

Negative reactions: side effects

The active substance zanamivir (the trade name of the drug - "Relenza") is usually well tolerated by consumers. However, the annotation reports that the drug can cause and side reactions.

The instructions describe the following cases:

• Allergic reaction, manifested by a rash, itching and hives.
• Cough that leads to bronchospasm.
• Swelling of the face, larynx, difficulty breathing.

If you encounter a similar situation, it is recommended that you contact a specialist as soon as possible. Further use of this medication is unacceptable and dangerous.

Method of using a medicament

From the flu, "Zanamivir" is inhaled. Medication has no other way of use. Many patients are interested in whether there exist with the name "Zanamivir" tablets? This form of release of the drug is not yet available.

Before you begin to use, you must carefully read the instructions. Also, strictly follow all the recommendations that the doctor gave you. If there were none, then follow the annotations.

Take the container for inhalations and carefully consider it. Remove the cover and insert one rotadisk. After that, latch the container and begin inhalation. Depending on the purpose of the drug, its dose may vary greatly.

Treatment of influenza

Antiviral "Zanamivir" is prescribed for adults and children over five years of age. In children, the use of the drug should be controlled by adults. The dosage of the drug is two inhalations twice a day. In this case, it is desirable to apply at the same time at the same interval.

One rotadisk is enough for you on the day of treatment. The duration of the course is 5 days. With the help of mathematical calculations, you can find out that the medicine package is sufficient for the whole course.

Preventive actions

Zanamivir is recommended as a preventive medicine. However, recently it has been used less and less. The reason for this was the sale of a prescription drug. Experts try to prescribe other, more accessible and safe means for the prevention of viral diseases.

As a preventive measure for influenza and viral infections, medication is used in adults and children after 10 years. Previously, use it in the absence of disease is not recommended. The instruction for use advises to observe the following algorithm. In a day, two inhalations of 5 milligrams of the active substance are administered once. In order not to get sick after contact with an infected person, it is necessary to continue this therapy up to 10 days. One pack of medication is just designed for this period.

Persons with respiratory diseases

The drug "Zanamivir" in rare cases leads to such a side effect as bronchospasm. However, this reaction is not ruled out. Especially it affects people who have a history of respiratory diseases. Most often it is asthmatics.

If you do not have the opportunity to refuse the described remedy, you should have bronchodilator preparations for the entire period of treatment. Do not think that if one time reaction did not occur, then it will not be after. With the development of bronchospasm it is necessary to immediately stop the manipulation. As soon as possible, take the appropriate medicine that relieves bronchospasm and enlarges their lumen. This will help you to restore normal breathing. During the procedure, breathe as you do in normal life. Do not perform very deep and sharp breaths.

Zanamivir: patient feedback

What are the opinions about the described medicine from those who used it for treatment or prevention? Many people used this tool during epidemics. Until quite recently it could be purchased without a doctor's appointment. Patients say that the drug "Zanamivir" is very effective. The medicine quickly has a positive effect on the body. It increases immunity and strengthens resistance. Immediately it is worth saying that the timely use of the drug after contact with the infected does not allow people to get sick.

Also, many patients used an agent to treat the disease. The drug is prescribed for such severe and dangerous diseases as pork or avian influenza. It is these diseases that often lead to complications and death. Consumers report that after the initiation of therapy, it became much easier for them. Improvement of the condition was observed already on the second or third day. The general course of treatment was five days. In rare cases, the doctor recommended increasing the duration of the medication.

Patients testify that the drug "Zanamivir" is convenient to use. You can always take with you a device for inhalation and rotadiski. If you can not go to a sick leave and have to go to work, then this will be an invaluable plus.

Opinions of specialists

Often patients are interested in a doctor about the drug Zanamivir, where to buy it? The specialist should always tell his patient that this medication is dispensed solely on prescription. Do not look for workarounds and buy the drug in non-specialized points. Doctors say that often there were cases of detection of not considered above adverse reactions from therapy. At the same time, the consumer used the clandestine method of purchasing a drug. Nobody knows what is actually in this drug.

Therapists say that the drug should not be used for preventive purposes. At present, there are a lot of alternative means that are recognized as safer and more accessible. You can easily buy them in a pharmacy and conduct a preventive course of admission. The drug "Zanamivir" is prescribed only if the disease is already diagnosed.

Some experts report that the drug "Zanamivir" has no proven effectiveness. Physicians argue that the action of the drug is based on the effect of a placebo. However, the price of the medication and its instructions indicate the opposite. Of course, reviews are very important for specialists and consumers of the drug. However, do not rely only on them. Doctors are advised to study the information about the drug before using it. But it is always necessary to get acquainted with the instruction for use and take into account the opinion of doctors.

Is there an addiction?

About the medicine "Zanamivir" experts say that it never becomes addictive. Many consumers have a wrong opinion. They believe that viruses can develop resistance to this substance. After all, this is the case with uncontrolled or incorrect use of antibiotics.

In fact, this is not so. This drug acts on its own immunity, strengthening it. The drug blocks the release of neurominidase. That is why it is called an inhibitor. The agent after entering the respiratory tract recognizes the affected cells and prohibits their work. Also, the powder for inhalation containing zanamivir does not allow the virus to penetrate further. The maximum effect of the drug occurs when the therapy is carried out in the first two days after the first symptoms of infection. Usually it is a headache, a sudden increase in body temperature. In this case, the flu is usually characterized by numbers from 39 degrees and above. Often the patient is unable to eliminate the fever with the usual antipyretic agents.

Interaction

Often the drug "Zanamivir" is prescribed concomitantly with other drugs. The most common combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with this medication. Such interaction is entirely permissible. Negative reactions to treatment do not occur. Together, the drugs have a positive effect on the patient's body, relieving inflammation, lowering the temperature and blocking the multiplication of the virus.

It happens that sorbents are prescribed with this medication. They are used to remove toxins that are secreted by multiplying viruses. With this combination of drugs, you must always take a break. Doctors usually recommend taking one remedy and only after 2-3 hours resorting to the use of another. Otherwise, the antiviral drug may not work in full measure.

The purpose of the drug can be carried out simultaneously with antibiotic therapy. In this case, most antimicrobial compounds are normally combined with the indicated drug. But it is worth remembering that when using medicines at the same time, you should always consult your doctor. If you have to take any medication, you have been prescribed a medicine Zanamivir, tell your doctor about it. If necessary, the doctor will help you to choose the most suitable scheme of admission.

The medicine should not be used with other antiviral and immunomodulating agents, if such a recommendation was not given by a doctor. Such therapy can lead to an overdose of one or another active substance. Any wrong combination of drugs is fraught with consequences.

Summarize…

You have heard about the drug Zanamivir. The drug has the trade name Relenza. It is impossible to replace it with medicines with the same substance. Acquiring a medicine without a prescription from a doctor is difficult and unsafe. Remember that restrictions in the use of medicines are not just created. In this way, the state tries to protect the person from the wrong treatment, which can harm him.

In most cases, this medication is well received. He has practically no contraindications. According to the instructions, the medicine effectively fights against viruses of different types. However, not all specialists are convinced of the efficacy of the medication. To this day, there are active disputes and research on this subject. To get the right, effective and qualified appointment, you need to see a doctor. If necessary, the doctor will assign you a series of studies, and then recommend this or that remedy. Remember that the flu is an insidious disease. It often leads to complications, which can result in death. It is not necessary to hesitate and independently use known medicinal preparations. Strong to you health!