Tamiflu Oral

Tamiflu Oral Uses

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.

How To Use Tamiflu Oral

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.