Tamiflu is an antiviral agent used to treat the flu (influenza A and B) in patients who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. Tamiflu is also used to prevent the flu.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Generic Name:
Oseltamivir (ah-sell-TAMM-eh-veer)
Drug Manufacturer:
Roche Laboratories
Common Uses:
Tamiflu is an antiviral agent used to treat the flu (influenza A and B) in patients 1 year of age and older who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. Tamiflu is also used to prevent the flu in patients age 13 and over in the U.S. who must be in close contact with someone who has the flu, such as another household member. Tamiflu may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to use Tamiflu:
Follow the directions for using Tamiflu provided by your doctor. Tamiflu comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Tamiflu. Begin taking Tamiflu as soon as you notice symptoms of the flu. Tamiflu MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE Tamiflu at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking Tamiflu for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Tamiflu, take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
Cautions:
DO NOT TAKE Tamiflu if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Tamiflu will not prevent you from spreading influenza to others. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA OCCURS during or after treatment with Tamiflu, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Tamiflu. Using Tamiflu alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Tamiflu during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF Tamiflu IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using Tamiflu, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible Side Effects:
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Tamiflu include nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
