Tamiflu

What is the most important information I should know about Tamiflu?

• Take all of the Tamiflu that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
  

What is Tamiflu?

• Tamiflu is an antiviral medication. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body.
• Tamiflu is used to treat illness due to influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Tamiflu is also used to prevent infection with the influenza virus.
• Tamiflu may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
  

Who should not take Tamiflu?

• Before taking Tamiflu, tell your doctor if you have
  · kidney disease,
  · liver disease, or
  · any other chronic or serious illnesses.
• You may not be able to take Tamiflu, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
• Tamiflu is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Tamiflu will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is not known whether Tamiflu passes into breast milk. It is also not known whether it will harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• The safety and effectiveness of Tamiflu have not been established for children younger than 18 years of age in the treatment of the influenza virus and in children younger than 13 years of age for the prevention of infection with the influenza virus.
  

How should I take Tamiflu?

• Take Tamiflu exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each capsule with a full glass of water.
• Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dosage, measure the liquid form of Tamiflu with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• Tamiflu can be taken with or without food. Taking Tamiflu with food may decrease stomach upset.
• Tamiflu is usually taken twice a day for 5 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Treatment with Tamiflu should begin as soon as possible from the first appearance of flu symptoms.
• Take all of the Tamiflu that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
• You should also discuss the importance of a flu shot with your doctor.
• Store Tamiflu capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused suspension after 10 days.
  

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue to take Tamiflu at the usual times. However, if you don't remember the missed dose until it is almost time for your next dose (within 2 hours), skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled doses at the usual times. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
  

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a Tamiflu overdose include nausea and vomiting.
  

What should I avoid while taking Tamiflu?

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Tamiflu unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
  

What are the possible side effects of Tamiflu?

• Stop taking Tamiflu and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Tamiflu and talk to your doctor if you experience
  · nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
  · abdominal pain;
  · headache;
  · dizziness;
  · fatigue;
  · insomnia; or
  · cough or other respiratory symptoms.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
  

What other drugs will affect Tamiflu?

• No other drugs have been reported to interact significantly with Tamiflu. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines with Tamiflu.
  

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about Tamiflu written for health professionals that you may read.