Brand name:
Tamiflu
Pronounced: TAM-ih-floo
Generic name:
Oseltamivir phosphate
Why is Tamiflu prescribed?
Tamiflu speeds recovery from the flu. When started during the
first 2 days of the illness, it hastens improvement by at least a
day. It also can prevent the flu if treatment is started within 2
days after exposure to a flu victim. Tamiflu is one of a new class
of antiviral drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors.
As the flu virus takes hold in the body, it forms new copies of
itself and spreads from cell to cell. Neuraminidase inhibitors fight
the virus by preventing the release of new copies from infected
cells. The other drug in this class, Relenza, is taken by
inhalation. Tamiflu is taken in liquid or capsule form.
Most important fact about Tamiflu
Tamiflu can prevent the flu as long as you continue taking this
medication, but getting a yearly flu shot is still the best way of
avoiding the disease entirely. For older adults, those in high-risk
situations such as health-care work, and people with an immune
deficiency or respiratory disease, vaccination remains a must.
How should you take Tamiflu?
To provide any benefit, Tamiflu must be started within two days
of the onset of symptoms, or exposure to the flu. If you have the
flu, continue taking it twice daily for 5 days, even if you start to
feel better. To prevent the flu, take it once a day for at least 7
days. Protection lasts as long as you take the drug.
If Tamiflu upsets your stomach, try taking it with food. Shake
the liquid suspension before each use.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as possible. If it is within two hours of your
next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular
schedule.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature. Keep the blister package dry. Use the
liquid suspension within 10 days. It should be refrigerated, but do
not freeze.
Tamiflu side effects
Most problems noted during tests of Tamiflu were
indistinguishable from the symptoms of flu. Here are the reactions
that showed up more frequently in patients taking the drug.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain,
asthma,
bronchitis,
cough,
diarrhea,
ear infection,
fatigue,
headache,
insomnia,
nausea,
nosebleed,
vertigo,
vomiting
Why should Tamiflu not be prescribed?
If Tamiflu gives you an allergic reaction, avoid it in the
future.
Special warnings about Tamiflu
If you have kidney disease, the doctor may have to cut your daily
dose of Tamiflu in half.
The effectiveness of Tamiflu has not been established for people
with weakened immune systems. The drug has not been studied in
people with liver disease.
Tamiflu works only on the flu virus. It won't stop bacterial
infections that may have flu-like symptoms or bacterial infections
that may develop while you have the flu. If your symptoms persist,
check with your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Tamiflu
No interactions have been reported.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is not known whether Tamiflu is completely safe during
pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform
your doctor before taking Tamiflu. Tamiflu may appear in
breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Taking it while
breastfeeding is usually not recommended.
Recommended dosage for Tamiflu
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 13 AND OLDER
Overdosage
High doses of Tamiflu can cause nausea and vomiting. As with any
medication, if you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical
treatment immediately.
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