Drug Detail:Tamiflu (Oseltamivir [ os-el-tam-ih-veer ])
Generic Name: Oseltamivir Capsules [ oh-sel-TAM-i-vir ]
Drug Class: Neuraminidase inhibitors
Uses of Tamiflu:
- It is used to treat or prevent the flu.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Tamiflu?
- If you have an allergy to oseltamivir or any other part of Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules).
- If you are allergic to Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules); any part of Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have kidney disease.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Tamiflu?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- This medicine is not to be taken in place of a flu shot. If your doctor told you to get the flu shot, you need to get it.
- This medicine does not treat the common cold.
- This medicine does not stop the spread of the flu to others.
- Talk with your doctor before getting a flu vaccine after taking Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules). Talk with your doctor before you take Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules) if you have just gotten a flu vaccine.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules) while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Tamiflu) best taken?
Use Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
- Keep taking Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
- If you have trouble swallowing Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules), talk with your doctor. If your doctor tells you to, you may mix contents of the capsule with a sweet liquid like chocolate syrup, caramel topping, corn syrup, or light brown sugar dissolved in water.
- A liquid (suspension) can be made from the capsules if needed. Talk with the doctor or pharmacist.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is less than 2 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- People with the flu can have nervous system problems and behavior problems that can lead to death. The chance may be higher in children. Call your doctor right away if you have change in thinking clearly and with logic, change in the way you act, speech problems, shakiness, seizures, or hallucinations.
- A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
What are some other side effects of Tamiflu?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Diarrhea.
- Headache.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Tamiflu?
- Store capsules at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Tamiflu (oseltamivir capsules), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I drink alcohol if I'm taking Tamiflu?
- How long does it take to work?
- Does Tamiflu (oseltamivir) work on COVID-19?
- What is the difference between Xofluza and Tamiflu?
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