Tamiflu

UsesTamiflu (Oseltamivir) is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza (flu) in adults and children 1 year or older. Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is neuraminidase inhibitor. It attacks the influenza virus inside your body to stop it from spreading. Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) can be taken to prevent getting the flu, or if you already have the flu it can be taken to reduce the symptoms and decrease recovery time.

Dosage and Administration

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) to Prevent the Flu

If you are taking Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) to prevent the flu, The usual dosage is one Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) 75mg capsule once a day for 10 days following close contact with someone who has the flu. You should start taking Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) within 2 days of the close contact.

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) to treat the Flu

Start taking Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed with the flu. The earlier you start treatment with Tamiflu (Oseltamivir), the shorter the duration of your flu.

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) can be taken with or without food. However, you may find Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is easier on your stomach when taken with food. Swallow capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not break or chew the capsules before swallowing.

Take only the dosage that has been prescribed to you by your doctor.

Side effects

Tell your doctor immediately or visit your local emergency department if you notice any of the following serious side effects:

• sudden signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing.
• yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, itching and dark coloured urine.
• chest infection with fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, phlegm and occasional blood.
• convulsions, confusion, drowsiness, abnormal behaviour, delusions, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety and nightmares. These symptoms may also occur in flu patients not treated with Tamiflu (Oseltamivir).
• diarrhoea with blood, along with fever and severe stomach pain.

The following side effects are more common, but less serious. Contact your doctor if they become bothersome to you.

• nausea (feeling like vomiting)
• vomiting
• dizziness/spinning sensation (vertigo)
• headache
• stomach pain, indigestion
• diarrhoea
• cough
• bronchitis
• asthma (breathlessness, wheezing, a cough sometimes brought on by exercise and a feelingof tightness in the chest)
• sinusitis (stuffy nose and/or feeling of tension or fullness in the nose, cheeks and behind theeyes, sometimes with a throbbing ache)
• runny nose or nose bleeds
• ear problems or ear infection
• conjunctivitis (discharge from the eyes with itching and crusty eyelids)
• insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• fatigue
• aches and pains
• mild skin rash

Precautions

Check with your doctor before using Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) in patients 12 years or younger.

It is not known whether Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is harmful to an unborn baby when taken by a pregnant woman. If there is a need to take Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) when you are pregnant your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits to you and the unborn baby.

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) may pass into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) if you are breast-feeding.

Tell your doctor of all health problems and allergies prior to taking Tamiflu (Oseltamivir).