By Counterforce Health Team —

Rapivab (Peramivir): Treating Influenza with Intravenous Therapy

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can cause fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue. While most cases resolve on their own, severe flu can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults, young children, or those with chronic health conditions.

Rapivab® (peramivir) is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza in adults. Unlike many flu medications that are taken orally, Rapivab is given intravenously (IV), providing rapid delivery of the medication directly into the bloodstream.

What Is Rapivab Used For?

Rapivab is approved for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in:

  • Adults 18 years and older
  • Patients who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days

By shortening the duration of flu symptoms, Rapivab helps patients recover faster and reduces the risk of flu-related complications.

How Rapivab Works

Rapivab belongs to a class of antivirals known as neuraminidase inhibitors. Its mechanism of action includes:

  1. Blocking the neuraminidase enzyme: This enzyme helps the influenza virus release from infected cells and spread to healthy cells.
  2. Stopping viral replication: By preventing the virus from multiplying, Rapivab reduces the severity and duration of flu symptoms.
  3. Supporting recovery: Limiting viral spread allows the immune system to control the infection more effectively.

How Rapivab Is Administered

  • Form: Intravenous infusion
  • Typical dose: Single-dose infusion, usually administered over 15–30 minutes
  • Setting: Usually given in a hospital or clinical setting under medical supervision

Because Rapivab is given IV, it is especially useful for patients who cannot take oral medications due to vomiting or other complications.

Benefits of Rapivab

  • Rapid treatment: IV administration allows quick delivery into the bloodstream
  • Short treatment course: Often requires only a single infusion
  • Effective symptom relief: Clinical studies show Rapivab reduces the duration of flu symptoms
  • Alternative for oral antivirals: Useful for patients unable to take oral medications or when oral therapy is not effective

Possible Side Effects

Rapivab is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation

Less common but serious reactions may include:

  • Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Skin reactions (rare)

Healthcare providers monitor patients during and after infusion to ensure safety.

Precautions and Drug Interactions

  • Rapivab should not be used as a preventive (prophylactic) treatment for flu.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid interactions.
  • Patients with kidney problems may require dose adjustments.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before use.

Monitoring During Treatment

During treatment, healthcare providers may monitor:

  • Allergic reactions during the IV infusion
  • Kidney function, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease
  • Overall symptom improvement

The Bottom Line

Rapivab (peramivir) is a single-dose intravenous antiviral designed to treat acute influenza in adults. By targeting the influenza virus directly and preventing it from spreading in the body, Rapivab can shorten the duration of flu symptomsand support faster recovery. It is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot take oral medications or need rapid antiviral therapy under medical supervision.