Tamiflu is an antiviral medication that blocks the actions of influenza virus types A and B in your body.
Tamiflu is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Tamiflu may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Tamiflu will not treat the common cold.
Tamiflu may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Why is this medication
prescribed ?
Tamiflu is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Tamiflu may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Tamiflu will not treat the common cold.
Treatment with Tamiflu 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 Tamiflu have had rare side effects of confusion, delirium and self-injury. These symptoms have occurred most often in children. It is not known whether Tamiflu was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using Tamiflu should be watched closely for signs of confusion or unusual behavior. Call a doctor at once if you or the child using Tamiflu has any of these symptoms.
Tamiflu 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.
How should this medicine
be used ?
Take Tamiflu exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not take more of the medication than recommended. Do not take Tamiflu for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
Treatment with Tamiflu should start as soon as possible when flu symptoms appear, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose.
Take the Tamiflu capsule with a full glass of water. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with the syringe provided with the medicine. Do not measure the medicine with a regular table spoon. If you do not have the syringe or another medicine dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
You may take Tamiflu with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, it may help to take it with food or milk.
To treat flu symptoms: Take Tamiflu every 12 hours for 5 days. To prevent flu symptoms: Take Tamiflu every 24 hours for 10 days or as prescribed. Follow your doctor's instructions.
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. Store Tamiflu capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store Tamiflu liquid in the refrigerator but do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.
What side effects can
this medicine cause ?
Stop using Tamiflu 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 Tamiflu have had rare side effects of confusion, delirium and self-injury. These symptoms have occurred most often in children. It is not known whether Tamiflu was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using Tamiflu should be watched closely for signs of confusion or unusual behavior. Call a doctor at once if you or the child using Tamiflu has any of these symptoms.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
*
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
*
dizziness, headache;
*
nosebleed;
*
eye redness or discomfort;
*
sleep problems (insomnia); or
*
cough or other respiratory symptoms.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other information
should i know ?
What should i do if i
forget a dose ?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 2 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of an Tamiflu overdose may include nausea and vomiting.
