treating influenza, including H1N1 influenza (swine flu), in patients 1 year of age and older who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. It may also be used to prevent influenza in patients 1 year of age and older.
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is an antiviral. It works by stopping the flu virus from reproducing within the body.
Do NOT use Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)
you are going to have an intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) within the next 2 days or you have had such a vaccine within the past 2 weeks
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Tamiflu (Oseltamivir):
Some medical conditions may interact with Tamiflu (Oseltamivir). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have kidney problems, liver problems, or mood or mental problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Tamiflu (Oseltamivir). Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) because its effectiveness may be decreased by Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Tamiflu (Oseltamivir):
Use Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
If you are taking Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) to treat the flu, start taking it as soon as possible from when you begin noticing flu symptoms.
If you are using Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) to prevent the flu, start taking it as soon as possible, as directed by your doctor.
Take Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
To clear up your infection completely, take Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
Continue to take Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Tamiflu (Oseltamivir), 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 (Oseltamivir).
Important safety information:
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is effective against influenza types A (including H1N1 influenza [swine flu])and B.
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) may cause dizziness or lightheadedness; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) will not prevent you from spreading influenza to others.
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) works only against influenza types A and B; it does not treat bacterial or other viral infections.
Patients with flu who take Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) may have an increased risk of confusion and unusual behavioral changes. The risk may be greater in children. Contact your doctor if you notice symptoms of confusion or any other unusual behavioral changes.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Tell your doctor that you take Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) before you receive any vaccines, including the intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is not a substitute for a flu vaccine. Continue to get an annual flu shot if your doctor has recommended it.
If your symptoms do not get better within a few days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 1 year old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) while you are pregnant. It is not known if Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Tamiflu (Oseltamivir), check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Tamiflu (Oseltamivir):
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 side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal behavior; confusion; hallucinations; mood or mental changes; reddened, blistered, peeling, or swollen skin; seizures; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, persistent sore throat).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
