Tamiflu
= Prescription Required 
= Generic Equvalent
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Tamiflu 75mg Capsules
Oseltamivir (Oseltamivir Phosphate)
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Tamiflu Prescription Drug Information
Oseltamivir (By mouth)
Oseltamivir (oh-sel-TAM-i-vir)
Treats and helps prevent the flu (influenza type A and type B, and swine influenza A).
Brand Name(s):Tamiflu
There may be other brand names for Tamiflu.
When Tamiflu Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Tamiflu if you or your child have had an allergic reaction to oseltamivir.
How to Use Tamiflu:
Capsule, Liquid
- Your doctor will tell you how much of Tamiflu to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Do not take Tamiflu for any illness other than influenza A or B.
- It is best to start taking Tamiflu as soon as possible after flu symptoms start or after being exposed to the flu (within the first 2 days).
- You may take Tamiflu with or without food.
- Shake the oral liquid medicine before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
- If the oral liquid is not available, you may open the capsules and mix the contents into a bowl with sweetened liquids such as regular or sugar-free chocolate syrup. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Keep using Tamiflu for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
- Tamiflu comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If a dose of Tamiflu is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Tamiflu:
- Store the capsules at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Use the medicine within 10 days after you fill the prescription.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Tamiflu:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child plan to get the live nasal mist flu vaccine before you start using Tamiflu. You should not receive the vaccine within two weeks before or 48 hours after using Tamiflu.
Warnings While Using Tamiflu:
- Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
- The liquid form of Tamiflu contains sorbitol. Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child have a condition called hereditary fructose intolerance before you start using Tamiflu.
- Tamiflu is not a substitute for an annual flu shot. It also will not keep you from getting a bacterial infection that starts with flu-like symptoms.
- Do not give Tamiflu to a child under 1 year of age.
- Tamiflu may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using Tamiflu.
- Serious skin reactions can occur with Tamiflu. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; red skin lesions; severe acne or skin rash; sores or ulcers on the skin; or fever or chills while you are using Tamiflu.
- Tamiflu may cause abnormal behavior that may lead to injury. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you or your child, especially if they are new or are getting worse quickly. Make sure the doctor knows if you or your child have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell the doctor if you or your child have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared.
- Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Tamiflu. Be sure to keep all appointments.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Possible Side Effects While Using Tamiflu:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
- Chest pain.
- Confusion, anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping, or any change in mood or behavior.
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
- Seizures.
- Uneven heartbeat.
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Tamiflu, talk with your doctor:
- Ear pain or change in hearing.
- Eye pain, redness, or discharge.
- Headache or dizziness.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Tamiflu, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
