OSELTAMIVIR - ORAL (oss-el-TAM-eh-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Tamiflu
USES:
Tamiflu is known to lessen the severity of H1N1 or Swine Flu in persons who take Tamiflu when symptoms first appear.
Tamiflu is also used to treat illness (symptoms) caused by the flu virus
(influenza). Oseltamivir is also used to prevent the flu (e.g., in household
members exposed to a flu sufferer).
HOW TO USE:
TAMIFLU Dosing Schedule
| For Flu Treatment |
For Flu Prevention |
Take 1 dose, twice daily, for 5 days
1 in the morning and 1 in the evening. |
Take 1 dose, once daily, for 10 days. |
| For Adults and Children 13yrs. and older: 1 Dose = One 75mg Pill |
Take Tamiflu by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may take this
with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take it as soon as flu symptoms
appear or as soon as possible after you have been exposed (both within 48 hours).
If you have the flu: Take oseltamivir twice a day for 5 days; once in the morning
and once in the evening. Complete the entire treatment of 10 doses. To prevent
the flu: Take oseltamivir once a day for at least 10 days or take it exactly
as prescribed by your doctor. Tamiflu works best when the amount of
medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug
at the same time(s) each day. Take Tamiflu until the full prescribed
amount is finished, even if symptoms improve. Stopping the medication too early
may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition
worsens or if new symptoms appear.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side
effects: dizziness, persistent cough. Tell your doctor immediately if you have
any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: persistent weakness, fever,
sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:Tell your doctor your medical
history, including: allergies, kidney problems. This drug may make you dizzy
or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving
or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Tamiflu should be used
only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may
use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately.
NOTES:
Do not share Tamiflu with others. Consult your doctor about the risks
and important benefits of receiving a yearly flu shot (vaccination) to prevent
infection.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of
the next dose (within two hours), skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away
from light and moisture.
LINKS:
tamiflu.com
wikipedia.org
rxlist.com
rocheusa.com
