Tamiflu

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug, manufactured by Roche that is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza. Tamiflu is used for treating adults and adolescents suffering from influenza and is approved by more than 80 countries worldwide. Tamiflu can help those patients whose flu symptoms are present for no more than 48 hours. Tamiflu can also be used to reduce the chances of getting influenza in those who are vulnerable and are at increased risk of catching influenza. The clinical trial based research showed that flu patients who took Tamiflu felt better in 1.3 days; 30% faster than flu patients who did not take Tamiflu.

How does Tamiflu help as a treatment for influenza?

Tamiflu belongs to a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. These types of medications attack the influenza virus and prevent it from spreading inside the body. Tamiflu does not conceal the symptoms like other medications do, but instead attacks the flu at its source by attacking the virus that caused the flu in the first place. Tamiflu works against both influenza viruses A and B.

What is the ideal Tamiflu dosage?

Each Tamiflu capsule (white and light yellow) contains 75mg of active drug and should be taken orally. You should take Tamiflu twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening) for 5 days to treat the influenza. You should take Tamiflu for 10 days, once a day, for the prevention of influenza. A doctor should determine the dosage for children before a prescription can be issued.

You can take Tamiflu with or without food. If you take it with a light snack, milk, or with your meals, the probability of experiencing a stomach upset is reduced. Please notice that it is strongly advisable that you complete the entire treatment (take all the 10 capsules) even if you feel better.

What precautions should be taken for Tamiflu?

Tell your healthcare professional if you have any of the following conditions before you take Tamiflu:

• If you are allergic to Tamiflu, to any of its ingredients, or to any other medications
• Take or plan to take any other prescription and/or non-prescription medications, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products
• Have taken Tamiflu before to treat or prevent the flu
• Have HIV or AIDS
• Take immunosuppressant medications, cancer chemotherapy medications, methotrexate, sirolimus, oral steroids, or tacrolimus
• Have any type of heart, lung, or kidney disease
• Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

What are the side effects of Tamiflu?

Just like all other prescription medications, Tamiflu may also cause certain side effects. Tell a healthcare professional/doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe and/or persistent: nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, coughing or dizziness.

Some of the side effects of Tamiflu can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor or healthcare professional immediately: rash, hives, or blisters on the skin, itching, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing and hoarseness.