Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate)
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) is used for preventing the flu. Oseltamivir Phosphate is also used for treating the flu in patients within 2 days of the onset of flu symptoms.
Tamiflu is an antiviral. Tamiflu works by stopping the flu virus from reproducing within the body.
Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a flu shot if you have not had one yet.
For patients taking Tamiflu for treatment of the flu:
Oseltamivir works best if taken within 2 days of having flu symptoms (weakness, headache, fever, cough, and sore throat). Oseltamivir capsules may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. Taking oseltamivir with food may lessen the possibility of stomach upset. Oseltamivir Phosphate should be taken for 5 days. Continue taking Tamiflu for the full time of treatment even if you begin to feel better after a few days. This will help to clear up your infection completely. If you stop taking Oseltamivir Phosphate too soon, your symptoms may return.
For patients taking Tamiflu for prevention of the flu after exposure:
Oseltamivir should be taken within 2 days of being exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir capsules may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. Taking Oseltamivir Phosphate with food may lessen the possibility of stomach upset. Tamiflu should be taken for at least 10 days.
Tamiflu Dosage
The dose of Oseltamivir Phosphate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the Tamiflu label. The following information includes only the average doses of Oseltamivir Phosphate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Tamiflu dosage for treatment of the flu:
- Adults and teenagers: 75 mg of Tamilfu two times a day for five days.
- Children 1 year of age or older: Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually between 30 and 75 mg two times a day for five days.
- Children up to 1 year of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Tamiflu dosage for prevention of the flu:
- Adults and teenagers: 75 mg of Oseltamivir Phosphate once a day for at least ten days.
- Children 1 year of age or older: Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually between 30 and 75 mg one time a day for ten days.
- Children up to 1 year of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Tamiflu
This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the body. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any Tamiflu doses. If you miss a Oseltamivir Phosphate dose, take as soon as possible, except if it is near the next dose (within 2 hours). Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you have missed several doses, inform your doctor and follow the advice given to you.
Storage — How to store Tamiflu
- Keep Tamiflu out of the reach of children.
- Do not store the Oseltamivir Phosphate capsules in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause Tamiflu to break down.
- Store the oral Tamiflu suspension at room temperature or in the refrigerator. However, keep Oseltamivir Phosphate from freezing.
- Do not keep outdated Tamiflu or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded Oseltamivir Phosphate is out of the reach of children.
Side effects of Tamiflu
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.
Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON Tamiflu side effects persist or become bothersome:
Nausea and/or vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE Oseltamivir Phosphate side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion, hallucinations, or other unusual changes in behavior; fever or sore throat; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; seizures; severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
