Tamiflu capsules - Patient Education
What are Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) capsules?
OSELTAMIVIR (Tamiflu™) is a drug used to treat infections caused by two of the most common flu viruses. Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) may decrease the length of time you experience symptoms of the flu by 1-2 days. Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) may also help to reduce the risk of spreading the flu to others. Generic Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) capsules are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
- decreased kidney function
- heart disease
- liver disease
- lung disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to Tamiflu (Oseltamivir), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) capsules are taken by mouth. You may take Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) with or without food. If Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) upsets your stomach, take it with food. To treat the flu, Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is usually given two times per day for 5 days. Follow the instructions given to you by your prescriber or health care professional.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose (within 2 hours), take only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not take double or extra doses. If you have missed several doses, call your prescriber or health care provider.
What drug(s) may interact with Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)?
There are no known drug interactions with Tamiflu (Oseltamivir).
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)?
Side effects due to Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) are uncommon and are not usually severe.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- infection and inflammation of the sinuses (nose) and chest
- skin rash
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- coughing
- difficulty sleeping
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
What should I watch for while taking Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)?
Treatment with Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) should be started within 2 days of the beginning of flu symptoms to be effective. Finish the whole course of treatment even if you start to feel better sooner. The entire treatment is needed to make sure the infection is totally treated. Do not share Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms.
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is not a substitute for the flu shot. You should continue receiving an annual flu shot based upon the advice of your primary health care provider.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at controlled room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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