Generic Name: Oseltamivir (OH-sel-TAM-i-vir) Brand Name: Tamiflu

What is Tamiflu?

Tamiflu is an antiviral medication that blocks the actions of influenza virus types A and B in your body.

Tamiflu is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Tamiflu may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. It will not treat the common cold.

Drug Uses

Tamiflu is used for the treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection.

How Taken

You may take Tamiflu with or without food. However, when taken with food, your tolerability to Tamiflu may be enhanced. The recommended oral dose of Tamiflu is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. You should begin treatment within 2 days of onset of symptoms of influenza.

Warnings/Precautions

Tamiflu is not a substitute for a flu vaccination. You should continue receiving an annual flu vaccination. It is 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.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Possible Side Effects

You may experience some common, less serious side effects: nausea (without vomiting), vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, cough, insomnia, fatigue.

Storage

Store Tamiflu under refrigeration at 36º to 46ºF (2º to 8ºC). Do not freeze.

Overdose

Symptoms of a Tamiflu overdose are nausea and/or vomiting. Seek medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

More Information

You should begin treatment with Tamiflu as soon as possible from the first appearance of flu symptoms. Similarly, prevention should begin as soon as possible after exposure, at the recommendation of a physician.