Oseltamivir is a medication that prevents and treats infections caused by the flu virus (influenza). The flu causes fever, head and body aches, coughing and a stuffy or runny nose. This medication isn’t a replacement for the annual flu vaccine. The brand name of this medication is Tamiflu®.
OSELTAMIVIR (os el TAM i vir) prevents and treats infections caused by the flu virus (influenza). It works by slowing the spread of the flu virus in your body and reducing how long your symptoms last. It will not treat colds or infections caused by bacteria or other viruses. It will not replace the annual flu vaccine.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tamiflu
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They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed 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.
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.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider 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.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team 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 care team right away if the patient shows signs of unusual behavior.
To treat the flu, start taking this medication within 2 days of getting flu symptoms.
This medication is not a substitute for the flu shot. Talk to your care team each year about an annual flu shot.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medication after 17 days.
Room Temperature: This medication may be stored at room temperature for up to 10 days.
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.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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