Generic Name: oseltamivir (ah sell TAH mih veer)
Typical Brand Names: Tamiflu
What Is It Used For?
Tamiflu is used for treating adolescents and pediatric patients
1year of age and older with flu whose flu symptoms had started
within the last day or two. Tamiflu is also used to reduce the
chance of getting the flu in people of age 13 and older who have
a higher chance of getting the flu because they spend time with
someone who has the flu. Oseltamivir is also used to prevent infection
with the influenza virus. It is also used for many other purposes
other than those listed in medication guides.
How Is It Used?
Tamiflu comes in the forms of capsules, which should be taken
with a full glass of water. To ensure that you get the accurate
dosage, assess the liquid form of oseltamivir with a dose-measuring
spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
It can be taken with or without food. Taking oseltamivir with
food may also upset the stomach.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Serious side effects from Tamiflu are unlikely to occur; however
an allergic reaction (difficulty in breathing; sleepiness, sore
throat; fatigue, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
If these effects persist or worsen or you notice some other effects,
notify your doctor immediately.
Less serious side effects like: dizziness, headache, blurred
vision, nausea, abdominal pain are more likely to occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
Is It Safe?
Tamiflu is in the FDA pregnancy category C. So, it is not known
whether Tamiflu will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
Tamiflu without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment. It is also not known
whether Tamiflu passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing
infant. So, do not take Tamiflu without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The safety and effectiveness of oseltamivir have not been established
for children younger than 18 years of age in the treatment of
the influenza virus. So, its better to have precaution and children
are thus suggested not to try Tamiflu.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
No drugs have yet been reported to interact appreciably with oseltamivir.
Talk to your doctor before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines with oseltamivir.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you have missed any dose, use it as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose (within
2 hours.), skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not use a double dose of this medication. And try to keep your
doses at least 4 hours apart.
How Should It Be Stored?
Oseltamivir capsules should be stored at room temperature and
kept away from moisture and heat. Store the suspension in the
refrigerator at 36º to 46ºF (2º to 8ºC) and
throw away any unused suspension after 10 days.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Make sure that Tamiflu is not a substitute for a flu vaccination.
You should therefore continue receiving an annual flu vaccination.
It is also not known whether this medicine is excreted in human
milk. You should therefore, use this drug only if the potential
benefit justifies the potential risk to the breast-fed infant.
So avoid Tamiflu without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
