Help Fight the Flu, Not Just the Symptoms
Tamiflu is an FDA-approved prescription flu medicine that attacks the flu at its source. Tamiflu doesn't just treat the symptoms of flu that make you feel bad. Tamiflu fights the flu virus itself. This may help limit the flu's ability to spread in your body.
In fact, Tamiflu has been clinically proven to help you get better 30% (1.3 days) faster when taken within 48 hours of first symptoms. So the sooner you start Tamiflu, the sooner you may start feeling better, faster.14
In this section:
Who can take Tamiflu1
Tamiflu is approved for flu treatment and prevention in adults and children 1 year and older.
You should not take Tamiflu if:
- You are allergic to the main ingredient, oseltamivir phosphate, or to any other ingredients of Tamiflu.
Tell your doctor if:
- You are pregnant or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking Tamiflu.
- You have any type of kidney disease, heart disease, respiratory disease, or any serious health condition.
- You have received a nasally administered influenza virus vaccine like FluMist®* during the past 2 weeks.
- You have a family history of fructose intolerance.
*FluMist® is a registered trademark of MedImmune, LLC.
How to take Tamiflu1
- Tamiflu is available in capsule form for adults and teens 13 years and older.
- It is also available in a fruit-flavored liquid form called Tamiflu for Oral Suspension (6 mg/mL) with a dosing dispenser.
- Tamiflu for Oral Suspension is available in a new strength with dosing instructions from your doctor by patient’s weight.
Flu treatment for adults and teens aged 13 years and older
- Take 1 dose, twice daily, for 5 days (see flu treatment chart below for dose amount).
- You should complete the entire treatment of 10 doses even if you feel better.
| Age | Capsule dosage | Liquid (oral suspension) dosage* |
|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 1 dose = one 75-mg capsule | 1 dose = 12.5 mL oral suspension† |
*A 10-mL oral dosing dispenser is provided with the oral suspension. In the event that the dispenser provided is lost or damaged, another dosing dispenser may be used to deliver the volumes.
†Delivery of this Tamiflu for Oral Suspension dose requires administering 10 mL followed by another 2.5 mL.
You can take Tamiflu with or without food. There is less chance of stomach upset if you take it with a light snack, milk, or a meal.
Follow your doctor’s advice on how long to take Tamiflu.
What to do if you miss your Tamiflu dose1
If you forget to take your medicine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is 2 hours or less before your next scheduled dose. Then continue to take Tamiflu at the usual times. Do not take 2 doses at a time to make up for a missed dose. If you miss several doses, tell your doctor and follow the advice given to you.
Taking Tamiflu with other medications1
Your doctor or healthcare professional (HCP) may recommend taking over-the-counter medications to reduce severity of symptoms while the antiviral action of Tamiflu takes effect on the flu virus.
As with any medication, be sure to discuss with your doctor any over-the-counter or prescription medicines you are currently taking before beginning Tamiflu therapy.
How to store Tamiflu1
Tamiflu capsules should be stored at room temperature 77°F (25°C) and kept in a dry place. Tamiflu liquid (oral suspension) can be stored for up to 17 days in the refrigerator at 36° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not freeze. Tamiflu may also be stored at room temperature for up to 10 days. As with all medications, keep out of the reach of children. Discard any unused portion when you are finished with your prescribed treatment.
How to administer liquid Tamiflu1
If you are taking Tamiflu for Oral Suspension, your pharmacist will give you a dosing dispenser marked with 3 possible doses. Follow your healthcare professional's (HCP's) instructions on which dose to take or how to combine them for the proper dose for you. In order to be sure you receive the proper dose, it is important that you use the dispenser provided. If you lose or damage the dispenser and cannot use it, contact your healthcare professional (HCP) or pharmacist for advice on the proper dose.
Tamiflu must be prescribed by a doctor, so if you start feeling flu symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Please see the Tamiflu full Prescription Information for complete safety information.
Next step
Did you know...
Tamiflu doesn’t just treat the symptoms of the flu — it fights the actual virus. And that may help keep your flu symptoms from getting worse.
Indications
TAMIFLU is for treating people 1 year and older with influenza (flu) whose symptoms started within the last two days. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu. TAMIFLU is not a substitute for an annual flu vaccination.
Important Safety Information
Before taking TAMIFLU, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. Let your doctor know if you have kidney disease, heart disease, respiratory disease, or other serious health conditions. Also tell your doctor about any medications you are taking or if you’ve received a nasal-spray flu vaccine in the past two weeks. If you have an allergic reaction or a severe rash with TAMIFLU, stop taking it, and contact your doctor right away. This may be very serious. The most common side effects of TAMIFLU are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.
People with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at increased risk for seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior when they first get sick. These events may occur when the flu is not treated or right after starting TAMIFLU. These events are uncommon but may lead to accidental injury. Contact a healthcare professional right away if you notice any unusual behavior.
The most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.
Please see the TAMIFLU full Prescription Information for complete safety information.
