Generic Tamiflu

Generic Name: Oseltamivir Capsules (OH-sel-TAM-i-vir)
Brand Name: Tamiflu

Tamiflu is used for:
Preventing the flu. It is also used for treating the flu in patients within 2 days of the onset of flu symptoms.

Tamiflu is an antiviral. It works by stopping the flu virus from reproducing within the body.

How to use Tamiflu :

Use Tamiflu as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Tamiflu by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• If you are taking Tamiflu to treat the flu, start taking it as soon as possible from when you begin noticing flu symptoms.
• If you are using Tamiflu to prevent the flu, start taking it as soon as possible, as directed by your doctor.
• Take Tamiflu on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
• To clear up your infection completely, take Tamiflu for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
• Continue to take Tamiflu even if you feel well. 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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Tamiflu .

Before using Tamiflu

Tamiflu should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu shot to help protect you each year from new strains of influenza virus.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to oseltamivir.

Before taking Tamiflu, tell your doctor if you have used a nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within the past 2 weeks, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• heart disease;
• lung disease;
• a condition causing swelling or disorder of the brain; or
• any other serious disease or health problem.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use Tamiflu or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take Tamiflu without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 1 year old.

How should I take Tamiflu?

Take Tamiflu exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not take more of the medication than recommended. Do not take this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Treatment with Tamiflu should start as soon as possible when flu symptoms appear, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose.

Take the capsule with a full glass of water. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with the syringe provided with the medicine. Do not measure the medicine with a regular table spoon. If you do not have the syringe or another medicine dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

You may take this medication with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, it may help to take it with food or milk.

To treat flu symptoms: Take Tamiflu every 12 hours for 5 days. To prevent flu symptoms: Take Tamiflu every 24 hours for 10 days or as prescribed. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Store this Tamiflu capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store Tamiflu liquid in the refrigerator but do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 2 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking Tamiflu?

Do not use a nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within 48 hours after taking oseltamivir. Tamiflu may interfere with the drug action of FluMist, making the vaccine less effective. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Tamiflu side effects

Stop using Tamiflu and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; a red and blistering or peeling skin rash.

Some people using Tamiflu have had rare side effects of sudden confusion, delirium, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or self-injury. These symptoms have occurred most often in children. It is not known whether Tamiflu was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using Tamiflu should be watched closely for signs of confusion or unusual behavior. Call a doctor at once if you or the child using Tamiflu has any of these symptoms.

Less serious Tamiflu side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• dizziness, headache;
• nosebleed;
• eye redness or discomfort;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• cough or other respiratory symptoms.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Tamiflu?

There may be other that can affect Tamiflu. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Tamiflu.