Tamiflu

The active ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir phosphate. It is considered a neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI). Neuraminidase is a protein present on the surface of the influenza virus. Tamiflu works by blocking this protein, preventing the flu virus from spreading throughout your body and making you feel ill.

It is approved for the treatment of influenza A or influenza B viruses in people 2 weeks of age and older. It is also used for the prevention of influenza A and B in people 1 year of age and older.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Tamiflu. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tamiflu:

• Start taking Tamiflu when you notice flu symptoms like fever, chills, muscle pains, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose.
• Take a capsule with a full glass of water and shake the liquid well before use, as well as use a dosing syringe or dosing measurement cup.
• Tamiflu may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach while using it.
• Even if your symptoms resolve rapidly, continue to take this medication for the full duration recommended. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen.

The most common side effects of Tamiflu seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• General pain or headaches.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Tamiflu. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions include difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or tongue.
• Severe skin reactions - Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hives, skin rash, blistering or peeling skin.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tamiflu. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Tamiflu, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Do not take Tamiflu if you have had an allergic reaction to oseltamivir.
• Tamiflu should not be used to treat influenza symptoms in children under the age of two weeks. Children as young as one year of age can use this medication to avoid flu symptoms.
• Tamiflu does not prevent bacterial infections that may happen with the flu.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have:
• Kidney disease.
• Conditions including swelling or disorder of the brain.
• Heart disease or chronic lung disease.
• Hereditary fructose intolerance.
• A weak immune system.
• If you have used a nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) during the last two weeks.
• Some oseltamivir users have reported rare side effects such as sudden confusion, delirium, hallucinations, strange behavior, or self-injury. These symptoms are most commonly encountered in pediatric patients. It is unclear whether this medication was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone taking this medication should be constantly monitored for signs of disorientation or strange behavior. If you or your child has any of these symptoms while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

There are no obvious or recorded contraindications for Tamiflu, but it is still important to speak to your healthcare provider if you experience any abnormal behavior while taking this medication.

Tamiflu makes you feel better around 1 to 2 days sooner than if you didn't take the medication. Most people who do not take medications for the flu feel bad for about a week.

When Tamiflu is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Warfarin
• FluMist (flu vaccine nasal spray)

For flu treatment:

Adults and children 13 years or older: The normal dose is 75 mg taken orally twice daily for five days.

Children aged 1–12 years old: The dosage is calculated based on your child's weight. The normal dose is 30 mg to 75 mg taken orally twice a day for five days.

Children aged two weeks to one year old: The dosage is calculated based on your child's weight. The normal dose is 3 mg/kg body weight administered orally twice a day for 5 days. Your child's provider will calculate the dosage for you.

For flu prevention (prophylaxis):

Adults and children aged 13 and up: The normal dose is 75 mg orally once daily for at least 10 days but no more than 6 weeks.

Children aged one to twelve years old: The dosage is calculated based on your child's weight. The normal dose is 30 mg to 75 mg taken orally once daily for at least 10 days but no more than 6 weeks.

If you have kidney problems, your dosage may alter (you may need to take the prescription less frequently).

If you miss a dosage of Tamiflu, take it as soon as possible. However, if your next dose is in less than 2 hours, avoid the missed dose. Never double or take excess dosages.

Keep capsules at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Keep liquid (oral suspension) medicine in the refrigerator but not frozen, and discard any unused liquid after 17 days. The liquid can also be stored at a cool room temperature for up to ten days.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Tamiflu is the Roche Group.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Tamiflu.

It is not advised to abruptly stop taking Tamiflu if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Speak to your healthcare provider before stopping. Do not stop taking Tamiflu, even if you have started to feel better.

It is unclear whether this medication will harm an unborn baby or a pregnant woman. However, getting sick with influenza during pregnancy might result in consequences such as birth abnormalities, low birth weight, preterm delivery, or stillbirth. If you are pregnant, your doctor will decide whether you should take oseltamivir.

It is not yet known the effects of taking Tamiflu while breastfeeding, therefore it is advised to to speak to your healthcare provider. They will know or recommend what is best for you.