Zanamivir - Whole blood and components

Also known as: Relenza®

Essential information

Obligatory: Must not donate if:
Taking zanamivir (Relenza®) as treatment for influenza.
At any time in the 7 days prior to, or while taking zanamivir, the donor has had symptoms of influenza, (a temperature of more than 38°C, or a history of fever and 2 or more of the following symptoms: cough, headache, runny nose, diarrhoea or vomiting).
Discretionary: If the potential donor is taking zanamivir as prophylaxis, they have not been advised to be confined to home, and have not had any symptoms of influenza, accept.

See if relevant: Infection, acute
Additional information: Zanamivir (Relenza®) is a viral neuraminidase inhibitor. Neuraminidase is an enzyme that helps the virus spread from cell to cell. It is used to treat influenza and for post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza. It appears to be a very safe drug with little evidence for teratogenic (potential to cause birth defects) or mutagenic (potential to cause malignancy) effect.
Regulatory information: Part of this entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.