Use

Oseltamivir is used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus (influenza). It helps make the symptoms (e.g., stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, aches, tiredness) less severe and shortens the recovery time by 1-2 days. This medication is also used to prevent the flu if you have been exposed to someone who already has the flu (e.g., sick household member).

This medication works by stopping the flu virus from growing. It is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. (See Notes)

Oseltamivir should not be used in infants younger than 1 year of age. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medicine. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may take it with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take this medication as soon as flu symptoms appear or as soon as possible after you have been exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir works best if you start taking it within 2 days of either of these events.

If you have the flu, take oseltamivir usually twice a day for 5 days, or as directed by your doctor.

To prevent the flu, take oseltamivir usually once a day for at least 10 days, or as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for how long to take this medicine.

This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too early may allow the virus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection or failure to protect you from the flu.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if new symptoms appear.

Side effects

Nausea and vomiting may occur as your body adjusts to this medication and usually go away after 1-2 days. Dizziness may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Oseltamivir may rarely cause serious mental/mood changes. This may be more likely in children. Tell your doctor immediately of any signs of unusual behavior including confusion, agitation, self-injury.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking oseltamivir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.

This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Tell your doctor if you have received flu vaccine in the nose within 2 weeks before treatment with this medication. This medication may lower your protection from flu vaccine given in the nose. Wait at least 2 days after ending treatment with this medication before receiving flu vaccine given in the nose.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. Consult your doctor about the risks and important benefits of receiving a yearly flu shot to lower your chances of getting the flu.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.