Drug Information
What is Tamiflu used for?
This medicine is used to treat influenza in adults who have experienced symptoms (fever, cough, headache, muscle weakness, and sore throat) for no more than 2 days. It may also be used to prevent influenza in adults and children 13 years of age and older.
When should Tamiflu not be taken?
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine
What precautions should I follow when taking Tamiflu?
Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have respiratory or heart disease if you have a weak immune system if you have impaired kidney function if you have any other medical condition
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Tamiflu?
This medicine should be used with caution people with impaired kidney or liver function and in elederly patients
What are the side effects of Tamiflu?
Most severe: Serious allergic reaction (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face or tongue); seizures; excessive urination, thirst, or hunger; serious infection (fever, chills, sore throat) in children.
Most common: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; bronchitis; stomach pain; dizziness; headache. Children: Vomiting; diarrhea; ear infection; stomach pain; aggravated asthma; nausea; nosebleed; sinus inflammation; pneumonia.
Other: Cough; sleeplessness; feeling of whirling motion; tiredness. Children: Bronchitis; inflammation of the eye; rash.
How should I take Tamiflu?
How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine will be prepared by a health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get your prescription refilled. This medicine should not be used in place of the influenza vaccine recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Take this medicine twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening) for 5 days or as directed by your health care provider. You should begin taking this medicine as soon as possible at the start of symptoms, but within no more than 2 days of the beginning of flu symptoms. This medicine may be taken with or without food. However, if stomach upset occurs, take with a light snack, milk, or a meal. Continue to take this medicine until the entire prescribed amount has been taken, even if symptoms of infection have resolved. Failure to take all of the medicine may not completely eliminate the bacteria and may allow the infection to return. This medicine may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose (within 2 hours), do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should Tamiflu be stored?
Store between 59 and 86 degrees F. Keep in a dry place.
General Information:
If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
