Peramivir

What is peramivir used for?

Peramivir is prescription medicine that is used to treat the flu.

Description

RAPIVAB (peramivir) is an inhibitor of influenza virus neuraminidase. The chemical name is (1S,2S,3R,4R)-3-[(1S)-1-(acetylamino)-2-ethylbutyl]-4-(carbamimidoylamino)-2-hydroxycyclopentanecarboxylic acid, trihydrate. The chemical formula is C15H28N4O4 ∙ 3H2O, representing a molecular weight of 382.45. The molecular structure is as follows:

RAPIVAB injection is a clear, colorless, sterile, isotonic solution (200 mg per 20 mL) in glass vials fitted with rubber stoppers and royal blue flip-off seals. Each mL contains 10 mg peramivir (on an anhydrous basis) in 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The pH may have been adjusted with sodium hydroxide, USP and/or hydrochloric acid, USP. The pH is 5.5 – 8.5.

Before taking peramivir, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to peramivir; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take peramivir with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take peramivir?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take peramivir. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine is not to be taken in place of a flu shot. If your doctor told you to get the flu shot, you need to get it.
• This medicine does not treat the common cold.
• This medicine does not stop the spread of the flu to others.
• Talk with your doctor before getting a flu vaccine after taking peramivir. Talk with your doctor before you take peramivir if you have just gotten a flu vaccine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using peramivir while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is peramivir best taken?

Use peramivir as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of peramivir that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

• WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
• People with the flu can have nervous system problems and behavior problems that can lead to death. The chance may be higher in children. Call your doctor right away if you have change in thinking clearly and with logic, change in the way you act, speech problems, shakiness, seizures, or hallucinations.

What are some other side effects of peramivir?

• All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
• Diarrhea.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out peramivir?

• If you need to store peramivir at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – 200 MG/20 ML VIAL CARTON

• Rx Only
• NDC 72769-181-03
• Rapivab™
  peramivir injection
• 200 mg/20 mL per vial
  (10 mg/mL)
• For Intravenous
  Infusion Only
  Dilute Before Use
• Carton contains 3 vials.

SRC: NLM .