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Oseltamivir

Brand Names

; Tamiflu™

Neuraminidase Inhibitor

This medicine is used to treat the flu. It shortens the length of symptoms by about 1 day. It is for adults and children older than 1 year of age. Oseltamivir must be started within 2 days of the start of flu symptoms (fever, cough, headache, feeling tired, muscular weakness, sore throat). It does not treat the common cold.
It can be used to prevent the flu in patients 13 years of age and older.

Oseltamivir prevents the flu from spreading inside the body. You already have the flu, but this medicine attacks the flu virus.

To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
Begin medicine as soon as possible. Start as soon as you get it.
Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
Medicine must be taken exactly as directed for the greatest benefit.
Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
A liquid (suspension) is available for children and patients who can not swallow capsules. Shake well first. Use the oral syringe provided with medicine.

Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose (within 2 hours), skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

This medicine is not to be taken in place of the flu shot. If healthcare provider has recommended the flu shot then you need to get it.
Use caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
Do not use if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Children may have belly pain.
If using to prevent the flu, may have headache and feel tired.

If you have the flu, improvement in symptoms. Are they better, worse, or about the same?

Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling worse after 3-4 days.

Store capsules in a tight container at room temperature. Protect from moisture.
Store liquid suspension at room temperature or in refrigerator. Use in 10 days. Throw away any that is left.

Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).