Tamiflu
Common uses
This medicine is an antiviral agent used to treat the flu (influenza A and B) in patients 1 year of age and older who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. Oseltamivir is also used to prevent the flu in patients age 13 and over in the U.S. who must be in close contact with someone who has the flu, such as another household member. This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine in children under age 1 for treatment of the flu is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Begin taking this medicine as soon as you notice symptoms of the flu. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.
Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. This medicine will not prevent you from spreading influenza to others. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA OCCURS during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Find out whether this medicine could interact with others in your Health Profile. Check drug interactions.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea and vomiting.
Additional information
THIS MEDICINE IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A FLU SHOT. Continue to get an annual flu shot if your doctor has recommended you do so. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.