Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: OSELTAMIVIR - ORAL (oss-el-TAM-eh-veer)
BRAND NAME(S): Tamiflu
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Oseltamivir is used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus (influenza). It helps to make the symptoms (e.g., stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, aches, tiredness) less severe and shortens the time to recovery by 1-2 days. This medication is also used to prevent the flu if you have been exposed to someone who already has the flu (e.g., sick household member). This medication works by stopping the flu virus from growing. It is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. (See Notes) Oseltamivir should not be used in infants less than 1 year of age. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may take it with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take this medication as soon as flu symptoms appear or as soon as possible after you have been exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir works best if you start taking it within 2 days of either of these events. If you have the flu, take oseltamivir usually twice a day for 5 days, or as directed by your doctor. To prevent the flu, take oseltamivir usually once a day for at least 7 days, or as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for how long to take this medicine. This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too early may allow the virus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection or failure to protect you from the flu. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if new symptoms appear.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea and vomiting may occur as your body adjusts to this medication and usually go away after 1-2 days. Dizziness may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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