Relenza: Consumer Questions and Answers (cont.)

How many blisters are used for a dose?

Two (2) blisters are used for each dose. The 4 blisters on the Rotadisk are enough medicine for 2 doses. Your doctor will tell you how many times a day and for how many days you should take the medicine.

Are there instructions for people who have never used an inhaler?

Yes, each box of Relenza has a Patient Instructions for Use leaflet that explains how to take Relenza using the Diskhaler device. These instructions are not a substitute for education and demonstration by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to use Relenza. Use it exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. To help make sure Relenza is used the right way by children, it should be used only under adult supervision. The supervising adult must understand how to use the Diskhaler device.

To help you use Relenza the right way, the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, also created a video on their website that demonstrates the proper use of the Relenza Diskhaler device, (see http://www.relenza.com/using-relenza-videos.html).

Are there any other special instructions to remember?

Yes, it is important to remember to puncture both the top and bottom of the blister using the Diskhaler before inhaling the medication into your mouth. Relenza should never be used with any other device but the Diskhaler. The blisters of medicine should never be opened and mixed into a liquid.

SOURCES:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration