As flu season fast approaches, it is important to be prepared with the necessary information in case you need to fight off any viruses. It’s likely you have heard of Tamiflu, the antiviral drug used to fight off influenza. Perhaps you have not heard of Oseltamivir Phosphate. Oseltamivir Phosphate is the medication itself. Tamiflu is the brand name for this medication. There is no difference between the two, and when being prescribed Tamiflu, you are being prescribed Oseltamivir Phosphate. This drug can be taken to treat flu symptoms in patients who have had the flu for less than two days as well as can be taken to prevent influenza in patients who do not yet exhibit any symptoms.
When to Use Tamiflu
As previously described, Tamiflu can be used in patients two weeks and older to reduce flu symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, stuffy nose, and sore throat. Treatment should start as soon as these flu symptoms appear. This drug will not treat the common cold and should not be used for purposes other than listed in the medication guide.
It is also possible to use Tamiflu to prevent influenza in cases where people one year of age and older have been exposed to the flu but are not exhibiting any symptoms. If there is a flu outbreak in your community or household, you may take Tamiflu for up to 6 weeks to prevent getting sick. Talk to your doctor for more details in this case.
How To Take Tamiflu
You have your choice of liquid or capsules. It is recommended to take Tamiflu with food to avoid an upset stomach. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is 2 hours or less before your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at a time. If you miss multiple doses, consult your doctor for what to do next.
Take the capsules with a full glass of water. If you are using the liquid, shake the oral suspension (liquid) well before measuring the correct dosage. If the oral suspension is unavailable and you are unable to swallow the capsule, you may open the capsule and sprinkle oseltamivir into a sweet liquid such as chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, or corn syrup to make swallowing easier.
Continue taking your full course of Tamiflu even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve after a few days, but taking the prescribed dosage is necessary to treat the full infection. Make sure to follow the instructions on your prescription label and take the medicine as directed.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Eye redness
- Dizziness, headache
- Insomnia
- Nosebleeds
- Coughing or respiratory symptoms
Stop using Tamiflu and consult a doctor immediately if any sudden symptoms of an allergic reaction appear, including swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or skin rash. Some people using this drug had the rare side effects of sudden confusion, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or delirium. It is unknown if oseltamivir was the cause of these symptoms. These symptoms were exhibited mostly by children. If you or your child shows any signs of confusion or odd behavior after taking this drug, consult a medical professional immediately. Because Tamiflu is an antiviral drug, it does not prevent bacterial infections that may occur with the flu.
Talk to Your Doctor
It is always important to notify your physician of any prior medical conditions before beginning a new medication. Notify your doctor if you have any history of kidney, heart, or lung disease, a condition that causes swelling of the brain, or if you have taken the nasal flu vaccine in the past two weeks. Do not take this drug if you are allergic to Oseltamivir Phosphate or any other ingredients in Tamiflu. Alert your doctor of any medications you are currently taking or may be taking in the course of this treatment.
Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. At this time, it is unknown if Oseltamivir Phosphate affects an unborn baby or a nursing baby. Your doctor can help you decide if this is the correct drug for you.
Preventative Actions
Tamiflu should not be used in place of getting your yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommend getting a flu shot each year to protect against new strains of influenza. Remind your family to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and to cough or sneeze into tissues to help stop the spread of germs.
The CDC also recommends avoiding contact with people who are sick and staying home if you are sick, if possible. Clean and disinfect surfaces at home, especially if someone is ill. It is always important to drink plenty of fluids, get a good night’s sleep, and maintain a healthy diet.
