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Tamiflu

Tamiflu is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza (the virus that causes the flu). The drug attacks the flu virus inside the body, thus preventing the virus from spreading. Common side effects of this medication include nausea and vomiting. It is important to note that Tamiflu is not a flu vaccine, nor should it be used in place of a yearly flu vaccination.

 

An Introduction to Tamiflu

Tamiflu® (oseltamivir phosphate) is a prescription medication used for the prevention or treatment of the flu. It is licensed for adults and children 1 year of age and older. Tamiflu is not a flu vaccine, nor should it be used in place of a yearly flu vaccination.
 

Who Makes Tamiflu?

Tamiflu is manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals.
 

What Is Tamiflu Used For?

Tamiflu has been licensed for two uses:
 
  • Treatment of influenza (the virus that causes the flu)
  • Prevention of influenza.
     
For Tamiflu to treat the flu, it must be taken within one to two days of the start of flu symptoms. For prevention, it must also be started as soon as possible after exposure.
 
Tamiflu has not been shown to be effective against other types of viruses, including viruses that cause the stomach flu or common cold. Tamiflu is actively being studied to learn how effective it is at treating bird flu (avian flu).
 

How Does Tamiflu Work?

Tamiflu works by attacking the flu virus inside the body, thus preventing it from spreading. This is different from other flu medicines, which just treat symptoms of the flu.
 
Tamiflu is part of a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. Neuraminidase (an enzyme found on the flu virus) allows the flu virus to spread. By blocking this enzyme, Tamiflu limits the virus's ability to spread.
 

When and How Do I Take Tamiflu?

Here are some general considerations for when and how to take Tamiflu:
 
  • Tamiflu comes in either liquid or capsule form. It is taken once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions. You may take Tamiflu with or without food. If Tamiflu upsets your stomach, take it with food.
     
  • Tamiflu should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.

 

  • Shake Tamiflu suspension (liquid) thoroughly before each dose.

       
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the Tamiflu capsules.
     
  • Make sure that you complete your entire prescription of Tamiflu, even if you start feeling better before it's finished. This will ensure that the infection is completely treated.
     

Dosing Guidelines for Tamiflu

The dose of Tamiflu your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.
 
(Click Tamiflu Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Tamiflu

(The side effects listed below are not a complete list of possible side effects you may experience with Tamiflu. Your healthcare provider can give you a more complete list.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Tamiflu. However, not everyone who takes Tamiflu will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well.
 
For adults, the most common Tamiflu side effects are:
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting.
     
In children, the most common side effect is vomiting; up to 15 percent of children experience this side effect.
 
Nausea and vomiting usually happen during the first couple of days of treatment, and are usually mild to moderate. Taking Tamiflu with food may help decrease the chances of developing these side effects.
 
If you develop an allergic reaction or severe skin rash, stop taking Tamiflu and call your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Tamiflu Side Effects to learn more.)
 

Drug Interactions With Tamiflu

In clinical studies, no drugs were shown to interact with Tamiflu (see Tamiflu Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking Tamiflu, you should tell your healthcare provider if you have:
 
  • Liver disease or liver failure
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Allergies to any medicines.
     
Let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Tamiflu Precautions and Warnings to learn more, including information on who should not take Tamiflu.)
 

What If I Take a Tamiflu Overdose?

If you happen to overdose on Tamiflu, seek immediate medical attention.
 

How Should Tamiflu Be Stored?

Tamiflu should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture. Also, keep Tamiflu and all medications out of the reach of children. Tamiflu suspension (liquid) should be discarded after ten days after it is mixed by your pharmacist.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Tamiflu?

If you do not take your Tamiflu as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the one you forgot and take your next dose instead. Never take a double dose.
 

Tamiflu Strengths

Tamiflu comes in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Tamiflu 30 mg capsules
  • Tamiflu 45 mg capsules
  • Tamiflu 75 mg capsules
  • Tamiflu suspension (liquid), containing 12 mg of Tamiflu per mL.
      

Generic Tamiflu

There is currently no generic Tamiflu available for sale.
 
(Click Generic Tamiflu for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;