Tamiflu

Generic name: Oseltamivir phosphate

Why is Tamiflu prescribed?

Tamiflu speeds recovery from the flu. When started during the first 2 days of the illness, it hastens improvement by at least a day. It also can prevent the flu if treatment is started within 2 days after exposure to a flu victim. Tamiflu belongs to a class of antiviral drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors.

As the flu virus takes hold in the body, it forms new copies of itself and spreads from cell to cell. Neuraminidase inhibitors fight the virus by preventing the release of new copies from infected cells. Tamiflu is taken in liquid or capsule form.

Most important fact about Tamiflu

Tamiflu can prevent the flu as long as you continue taking this medication, but getting a yearly flu shot is still the best way of avoiding the disease entirely. For older adults, those in high-risk situations such as health-care work, and people with an immune deficiency or respiratory disease, vaccination remains a must.

How should you take Tamiflu?

To provide any benefit, Tamiflu must be started within 2 days of the onset of symptoms, or exposure to the flu. If you have the flu, continue taking it twice daily for 5 days, even if you start to feel better. To prevent the flu, take it once a day for at least 7 days. Protection lasts as long as you take the drug.

If Tamiflu upsets your stomach, try taking it with food. Shake the liquid suspension before each use.

• If you miss a dose...
  Take it as soon as possible. If it is within two hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.

• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature. Keep the blister package dry. Use the liquid suspension within 10 days. It should be refrigerated, but do not freeze.

What side effects may occur?

Most problems noted during tests of Tamiflu were indistinguishable from the symptoms of flu. Here are the reactions that showed up more frequently in patients taking the drug.