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Drugs & Vitamins

Printable Version Tamiflu

Active Ingredients: Oseltamivir
Other Names: Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules, Tamiflu Capsules
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Tamiflu?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Tamiflu? (Back to top)
OSELTAMIVIR is an antiviral. It is used to prevent and to treat some kinds of influenza or the flu. It will not work for colds or other viral infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

  • heart disease
  • immune system problems
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • lung disease
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to oseltamivir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Start this medicine at the first sign of flu symptoms. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose (within 2 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • anxiety, confusion, unusual behavior
  • breathing problems
  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality
  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
  • seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nausea, vomiting
  • stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If you have the flu, you may be at an increased risk of developing seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior. This occurs early in the illness, and more frequently in children and teens. These events are not common, but may result in accidental injury to the patient. Families and caregivers of patients should watch for signs of unusual behavior and contact a doctor or health care professional right away if the patient shows signs of unusual behavior.

This medicine is not a substitute for the flu shot. Talk to your doctor each year about an annual flu shot.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:March 04, 2008

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Tamiflu

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Tamiflu, do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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