Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Tamiflu

Generic Name: oseltamivir (Pronunciation: os el TAM ih veer)

• What is oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?
• What are the possible side effects of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?
• What is the most important information I should know about oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?
• How should I take oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tamiflu)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tamiflu)?
• What should I avoid while taking oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?
• What other drugs will affect oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?

Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication that blocks the actions of influenza virus types A and B in your body.

Oseltamivir is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Oseltamivir may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Oseltamivir will not treat the common cold.

Oseltamivir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Tamiflu 75 mg

peach/white, imprinted with ROCHE, 75 mg

What are the possible side effects of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?

Stop using oseltamivir 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 oseltamivir 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 oseltamivir was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using oseltamivir should be watched closely for signs of confusion or unusual behavior. Call a doctor at once if you or the child using oseltamivir has any of these symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

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

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?

Oseltamivir is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Oseltamivir may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Oseltamivir will not treat the common cold.

Before taking oseltamivir, tell your doctor if you have received a nasal flu vaccine within the past 2 weeks, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease, or any other serious disease or health problem. Also tell your doctor if you have any condition causing swelling or disorder of the brain.

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

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.

Some people using oseltamivir 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 oseltamivir was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using oseltamivir should be watched closely for signs of confusion or unusual behavior. Call a doctor at once if you or the child using oseltamivir has any of these symptoms.

Oseltamivir 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.