Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral treatment used to prevent or combat influenza in adults and children. It is effective against influenza A virus and influenza B virus.

Since its introduction in the 1990s, Tamiflu has been used by tens of millions of people worldwide.

It works by inhibiting the spread of the virus once it's in the body, preventing illness from starting or worsening. Patients who are already ill before taking Tamiflu may still benefit from other flu medications designed to suppress symptoms.

The medication can be administered by either capsule or oral suspension.

Tamiflu is Not a Vaccine:

Most vaccines work by introducing a virus to the body in such small amounts that the immune system is able to easily combat it. The immune system has then "learned" how to fight the infection and is able to do so much more efficiently and effectively in the future.

Because flu viruses are constantly evolving, flu vaccines have to be modified regularly, typically once a year.

Tamiflu does not contain flu virus or any of the controversial ingredients commonly included in vaccinations. Tamiflu targets an enzyme that inhibits the ability of the virus to spread from cell to cell, without needing to regularly adjust the formula.

Do not get vaccinated for the flu within 48 hours of using Tamiflu; the vaccine may not be as effective.

Using Tamiflu to Prevent Influenza:

During a local flu outbreak, or if exposure is otherwise likely, taking Tamiflu once daily for 10 days will significantly decrease the chances of becoming ill. Studies indicate it is effective at preventing infection over 90% of the time.

The standard dose for ages 13 and up is either 75 mg by capsule or 12.5 mL of the oral suspension. Dosage strength for children under 13, the elderly, and individuals with certain health conditions will vary; a physician should be consulted for the ideal dosage.

It's important to complete treatment even if no symptoms of flu are noticed. Stopping treatment early may result in resistant, difficult-to-treat strains of the virus.

Using Tamiflu to Treat Influenza:

Tamiflu is effective for up to 2 days, or 48 hours, after flu symptoms are noticed:

• Fever
• Muscle or body aches
• Chills
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Chest congestion, coughing
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

It will not stop existing symptoms, but will prevent the illness and symptoms from worsening. Other medications designed to treat symptoms themselves may taken in addition.

If using capsules, patients 13 years and up should take 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. For oral suspension, 12.5 mL are taken twice daily for 5 days. Treatment should be completed even if symptoms stop.

Precautions:

Some patients are at greater risk of experiencing severe adverse reactions when using Tamiflu and should speak with a doctor about potential dangers before using:

• Kidney, heart or lung disease
• Weakened immune system
• Any condition that causes swelling of the brain
• Any other major illness
• Use of a flu vaccine in the previous 2 weeks

Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients in Tamiflu capsules or oral suspension should speak with a physician or pharmacist about alternative options.

This medication may be less effective if used with other prescription medications, supplements or vitamins. A doctor or pharmacist can explain any potentially dangerous interactions.

Side Effects:

The most common side effects associated with this treatment are not serious, and not cause for concern unless severe or persistent:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Rarely some patients, particularly children and teenagers, experience mood changes and become confused or agitated after using Tamiflu. Even more rarely they may experience hallucinations and may harm themselves. Children and teenagers should be supervised until it is known how they handle the medication.

Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral used to prevent the flu from developing or worsening in a patient. The medication works by interfering with an enzyme the virus needs to spread throughout the body, preventing illness from developing or worsening.

Tamiflu suspension is a fruit flavored liquid for oral administration of the medication, ideal for children or patients with an aversion to or unable to swallow pills. Tamiflu is also available in capsules.

Dosing Tamiflu Suspension:

The average dose for healthy patients age 13 and above is 12.5 mL of Tamiflu suspension. Dosage should be adjusted for young children according weight:

• 15 kg (33 lbs) or less should receive 5 mL in each dose.
• 16 kg to 23 kg (34 to 51 lbs) should receive 7.5 mL.
• 41 kg (89 lbs) and up should receive 12.5 mL.
• Children under 1 year old should never be given Tamiflu suspension.

The correct dosage is important, especially in younger children. Use the dosing dispenser that came with the product to measure each dose. A physician or pharmacist can provide a replacement dispenser if the original is not available. Do not guess or estimate doses.

Elderly patients and anyone suffering a major illness or medical condition should discuss Tamiflu use with a doctor for the ideal dosage strength.

Administering Tamiflu Suspension:

Frequency and duration of treatment depends on whether Tamiflu suspension is being used for prevention or treatment:

• For prevention, 1 dose is taken once a day for 10 days. Treatment should begin whenever exposure to the virus is likely, such as during a local flu outbreak.
• For treating a flu infection, 1 dose should be taken twice daily for 5 days. Treatment should begin within 48 hours of first noticing flu symptoms; the medication is not very effective after the first 2 days.
• Continue taking the medication even if symptoms improve. Similar to antibiotics, failure to complete antiviral treatments may lead to resistant strains of the virus.

Tamiflu suspension can be taken with or without food.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken when remembered unless it is within 2 hours of the next dose, in which case it should be skipped entirely.

Tamiflu and Flu Symptoms:

As mentioned above, Tamiflu suspension prevents flu symptoms from worsening if given within the first 48 hours of symptoms appearing. Common flu symptoms include:

• High fever or chills
  
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Chest congestion, coughing
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

What Tamiflu does not do is reduce symptoms that have already appeared. Other medications made to provide relief from symptoms may be used with Tamiflu suspension for patient comfort.

Before Taking Tamiflu Suspension:

Tamiflu is not a flu vaccine, and may reduce the effectiveness of flu vaccines given within 48 hours of taking Tamiflu. Likewise patients should not begin using Tamiflu within 2 weeks of receiving a flu vaccine.

Patients with serious illness or medical conditions should not use Tamiflu suspension without first talking to a doctor about potential risks:

• Any kidney, heart or lung disease, such as asthma
• Any condition which weakens the immune system, such as lupus
• Any condition which causes swelling of the brain
• Any other major illness, such as diabetes or cancer

A small percentage of patients, usually children or teenagers, may behave erratically shortly after starting Tamiflu treatment. Any abnormal behavior should be brought to the attention of a physician.

Ingredients:

Active ingredient: oseltamivir phosphate

Inactive ingredients: monosodium citrate, saccharin sodium, sorbitol, titanium dioxide, sodium benzoate, xanthan gum, tutti-frutti flavoring

Individuals who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Tamiflu suspension should speak with a doctor or pharmacist about alternative treatments. This product contains fructose.