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Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate)
Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, is part of a drug class known as neuraminidase inhibitors and an antiviral medication that blocks influenza virus types A and B in the body. It can also be used as a prevention of flu in people aged 1 year and older.
While Tamiflu is an effective treatment for the flu, it is not classed as a substitute for getting the flu vaccine, which is the best way to protect against the flu and control the spread of the influenza virus.
What is Tamiflu Prescribed For?
Tamiflu is used to treat people from two weeks old who are suffering from the influenza A and B viruses. It is prescribed for people who are experiencing a wide variety of symptoms, such as sore throats, fevers, aches, stuffy nose, and tiredness, and works to make these less severe and shorten the recovery time by 1 to 2 days.
It can also be used to prevent the flu for people who have been exposed to someone who has the flu or if there is a local flu outbreak in the community.
How Does Tamiflu Work?
Tamiflu works by binding to the neuraminidase virus surface. The neuraminidase is a coating on the surface of a virus, which enables a virus to dissolve a pathway through the cell membranes. By doing this, a virus invades the cells; once it infiltrates the cell, it replicates to form more virus molecules, which leave the cell via the neuraminidase to infect neighboring cells, and the broken cell membrane dies.
Once a certain number of cells are infected, someone would experience flu symptoms. Tamiflu binds to the neuraminidase on the surface, stopping the virus from escaping the infected cell, and restricting it to a smaller number of cells, which allows the immune system to have a better chance of killing the virus.
What Are the Side Effects of Tamiflu?
Some people using Tamiflu, most notably children, have experienced changes in their mood or behavior and may possibly experience some of the following symptoms:
- Shaking or tremors
- Hallucinations
- Sudden confusion
- Unusual behavior
However, it’s not certain that Tamiflu is the direct cause of these symptoms as people with the flu can naturally feel disoriented.
Common side effects of Tamiflu may include the following:
- Headaches
- Pain
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
A serious allergic reaction is rare, however, if you notice any symptoms such as rashes, swelling, itching, dizziness, or trouble breathing, get medical help right away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)
How to Use Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is administered in pill form, and the dosage is based on the patient’s body weight and can start from 75 mg taken twice a day for younger adults and adolescents weighing over 40 kg. For children between 1 and 12 years, the recommended dose can be between 30 mg up to 75 mg depending on their weight, and infants are recommended a dose of 3 mg per kg of body weight.
You need to take Tamiflu exactly as the doctor has advised and preferably within 2 days of the symptoms starting. For treating the flu, 2 doses should be taken daily. A typical course of Tamiflu is for 5 days, but it’s vital to complete the entire course, even if you start to feel better. A 10-day course may be prescribed for patients with a weak immune system. To prevent the flu, it needs to be taken daily for 10 days, or in special situations such as a weakened immune system or a widespread flu outbreak, treatment could continue for 6 to 12 weeks.
What to Avoid While Using Tamiflu?
There are some medications that interact with Tamiflu that could decrease its effects or increase side effects. Common medications that may interact with the flu include the following:
- Warfarin, an anticoagulant
- Methotrexate or pemetrexed, common chemotherapy agents
- Hepatitis B medications
- Clopidogrel, an antiplatelet medication to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
Can You Get Tamiflu Over the Counter?
You cannot get Tamiflu over the counter. It is a medication that can only be prescribed by a medical professional.
For more detailed information about Tamiflu, you can refer to the following sources:
- Tamiflu prescription label, Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Tamiflu, Drugs.com.
- Oseltamivir, MedlinePlus.
The content on this page has been medically reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC