Pegaspargase Intramuscular, Intravenous and Zanamivir Inhalation, oral/nebulization

• Generic Name: pegaspargase
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Oncaspar

Pegaspargase belongs to the general group of medicines known as antineoplastics. It is used with other cancer medicines as a first-line treatment to a certain type of blood cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Pegaspargase also treats ALL in patients who have had serious allergic reactions to L-asparaginase .

Pegaspargase seems to interfere with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells also may be affected by pegaspargase, other effects also occur. Some of these effects may be serious and must be reported to your doctor.

Before you begin treatment with pegaspargase, you and your doctor should talk about the good pegaspargase will do as well as the risks of using it.

Pegaspargase is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Pegaspargase is available only with your doctor's prescription .

• Generic Name: zanamivir
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Relenza

Zanamivir belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals, which are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Zanamivir is used in the treatment of the infection caused by the flu virus (influenza A and influenza B). Zanamivir may also be used to prevent and treat swine influenza A.

Zanamivir may reduce flu symptoms (weakness, headache, fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat) by 1 to 1.5 days. Zanamivir may also be used to prevent influenza infection if you have come into close contact with someone who has the flu.

Zanamivir must be started within 2 days of having flu symptoms. Zanamivir will not keep you from spreading the flu virus to other people. It may not work for everybody. Zanamivir may not be for you if you are severely sick or have a breathing problem (e.g., asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). If you receive the flu vaccine every year, continue to do so. Zanamivir is not a substitute for your yearly flu shot.

Zanamivir is available only with your doctor's prescription.