Paxista is used to treat flu-like symptoms (influenza) if you have had them for 2 days or less. It reduces symptoms (such as stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever or chills, headache, body aches, and tiredness) and cuts recovery time by 1 to 2 days.
What are the Paxista medications?
Paxista is a medication that is used to treat viral infections. It is used to treat cold sores around the mouth (herpes simplex), shingles (herpes zoster), and chickenpox. This medication is also used to treat genital herpes outbreaks. Paxista is used to help reduce the number of future outbreaks in people who have frequent outbreaks. Paxista is an antiviral medication. It is not, however, a cure for these infections. Even between outbreaks, the viruses that cause these infections remain in the body. Paxista reduces the severity and duration of these outbreaks. It speeds up the healing process, stops new sores from forming, and relieves pain and itching. This medication may also help shorten the duration of pain after the sores heal. Furthermore, Paxista can reduce the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of the body and causing serious infections in people with weakened immune systems.
How should I use the Paxista medication?
Read the medication guide and, if possible, the patient information leaflet that your pharmacist gives you before you start taking Paxista and every time you get a refill. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Inhale this medicine through your mouth as your doctor tells you to, usually twice a day (1 blister per inhalation). If you have a sick household member, you will usually take zanamivir for 10 days, or 28 days if there is a flu outbreak in the community, or as directed by your doctor.
Remove the disc inhaler’s cover. Before using, make sure the mouthpiece is clean and free of particles. Fill the disc inhaler with medication. One medication blister should be punctured. Maintain the level of the disc inhaler so that the medication does not spill out. Breathe out completely through your mouth, insert the mouthpiece into your mouth, and breathe in as deeply as you can. This will cause the medication to enter your lungs. Take a few deep breaths and hold them for a few seconds. To continue inhaling, move on to the next medication blister and repeat the process. Replace the disc inhaler’s cover.
This medication should not be mixed with any liquids, including nebulizer liquids. A parent or other responsible adult should watch a child who is taking this medicine to make sure that it is used correctly.
Start Paxista as soon as possible. This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Use this drug at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) every day. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms improve. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection or failure to protect you from the flu.
If you have breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—COPD) and are taking inhaled bronchodilators (such as albuterol) at the same time as Paxista, take the bronchodilator first. For more information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens, or if new symptoms appear.
Does Paxista medication have any side effects?
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication can cause breathing problems, which can be fatal in rare cases. If you have trouble breathing, like wheezing or feeling like you can’t get enough air, stop taking Paxista right away and see a doctor. Paxista should not be used if you have lung or breathing problems. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits. If your doctor decides you should take Paxista, keep a quick-relief inhaled bronchodilator (such as an albuterol inhaler) on hand.
The Paxista medication can occasionally cause serious mental or emotional changes. This could be more common in children. Tell your doctor right away if you see anything out of the ordinary, like confusion, anger, or self-harm.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
Which precautions should I take before taking Paxista?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Paxista or if you have any other allergies before taking it. Inactive ingredients (such as lactose and milk proteins) in this product may cause allergic reactions or other problems. For more information, consult your pharmacist.
Before you take this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health history, especially if you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely.
Inform your doctor or dentist about all of the products you use before having surgery (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication may be less effective in young children. They might not be able to breathe deeply enough into this inhaler device to get enough drug to benefit them.
Paxista medication should be used only when clearly necessary during pregnancy. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits. It is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Before you start breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
Does Paxista have interactions with other medications?
Drug interactions can alter the way your medications work or put you at risk for serious side effects. This document does not include every possible drug interaction. Keep a list of everything you use, including herbal supplements, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without first consulting your doctor.
If you got a flu shot in your nose in the last two weeks, tell your doctor. If you take Paxista and flu medicine too close together, they might not work as well.
What causes an overdose of Paxista?
If someone has overdosed and is having serious signs like passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, contact a poison control center immediately. Residents in the United States can contact their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Residents of Canada can contact a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed specifically for your current condition. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, do not use it for another infection.
This medication does not replace the flu vaccine. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits of getting a flu shot every year to reduce your chances of getting the flu.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is within 2 hours, skip the missed dose. If this is the case, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the usual time. To catch up, do not double the dose.
Storage
Keep at room temperature and in a dry place. Wait until you’re ready to take your dose before puncturing the foil blister. Keep out of the bathroom. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Unless otherwise directed, do not flush medications or pour them down the drain. When this product has expired or is no longer needed, properly dispose of it. Consult your pharmacist or a waste disposal company in your area.
