Peramivir

Peramivir works by stopping an enzyme in the body from releasing the virus from infected cells.

Peramivir is used to treat influenza in adults and children who are at least 2 years old and have had flu symptoms for up to 2 days.

Peramivir may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Peramivir is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Peramivir is usually given as a single dose. The medicine should be given within the first 2 days of when flu symptoms start.

Peramivir will not treat an infection caused by bacteria or fungus.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after you have received this medicine.

Before you receive peramivir, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies. Also, ensure your doctor is aware if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
• if you have received a nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within the past 2 weeks.

It is not known if peramivir will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Peramivir may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• new or worsening flu symptoms; or
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior.

Common side effects of peramivir may include:

• diarrhea;
• constipation; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Influenza:

600 mg IV once as a single doseUse: For the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients symptomatic no more than 2 days

Usual Pediatric Dose for Influenza:

6 months to 12 years: 12 mg/kg IV once as a single dose-Maximum dose: 600 mg/dose13 years or older: 600 mg IV once as a single doseUse: For the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients symptomatic no more than 2 days

Since peramivir is given as a single dose, there is no daily dosing schedule.

Since peramivir is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

Do not get the nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within 48 hours after you are treated with peramivir, unless your doctor tells you to.

Other drugs may affect peramivir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.