Taking TAMIFLU
TAMIFLU is a prescription medication for flu prevention and treatment in adults and children aged 1 year and older.
- TAMIFLU is available in pill form
- TAMIFLU is also available in a fruit–flavored liquid form with a dosing dispenser for children 1 year and older and for adults who have difficulty swallowing the capsule.
- TAMIFLU can be taken with or without food. As with many medicines, if you take TAMIFLU with a light snack, milk, or a meal, the potential for an upset stomach may be reduced.
TAMIFLU Dosing Schedule
For Flu Treatment:
- Take 1 dose, twice daily, for 5 days
(see TAMIFLU Dosage chart for dose amount)
For Flu Prevention:
- Take 1 dose, once daily, for 10 days
(see TAMIFLU Dosage chart for dose amount)
TAMIFLU Dosage by Age and Weight
| Age and Weight |
Pill Dosage |
Liquid Dosage
(using oral dosing dispenser) |
Adults and Children
13 yrs. and older |
1 Dose=
One 75 mg pill |
1 Dose=
75 mg |
| Children 1 – 12 yrs. |
|
|
33 lbs. or less
(15 kg or less) |
1 Dose=
One 30 mg pill |
1 Dose=
30 mg |
34 lbs – 51 lbs
(16 kg – 23 kg) |
1 Dose=
One 45 mg pill |
1 Dose=
45 mg |
52 lbs – 88 lbs
(24 kg – 40 kg) |
1 Dose=
Two 30 mg pills |
1 Dose=
60 mg |
89 lbs or more
(41 kg or more) |
1 Dose=
One 75 mg pill |
1 Dose=
75 mg* |
*The 75 mg dose can be measured using a combination of 30 mg and 45 mg.
In the event that the dispenser provided with the suspension is lost or damaged, another dosing syringe or other device may be used to deliver the following volumes:
- For children 33 lbs or less (15 kg or less): 2.5 mL (½ tsp)
- For children 34 lbs - 51 lbs (16 kg - 23 kg): 3.8 mL (¾ tsp)
- For children 52 lbs - 88 lbs (23 kg - 40 kg): 5.0 mL (1 tsp)
- For people 89 lbs or more (41 kg or more): 6.2 mL (1 ¼ tsp)
Please read Prescribing Information for instructions on preparing TAMIFLU liquid.
What to Do if You Miss Your TAMIFLU Dose
If you forget to take your medicine at any time, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 2 hours of your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at a time to make up for a missed dose. You can then continue to take TAMIFLU at the usual times.
Taking TAMIFLU with Other Medications
TAMIFLU has been shown to have a minimal chance of negatively interacting with other medications. Your doctor or healthcare professional 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. An intranasal flu vaccine like FluMist®* should not be given within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after taking TAMIFLU, unless it is deemed appropriate by your doctor.
Taking TAMIFLU if You Have Kidney Disease
If you have any type of kidney disease, talk to your doctor before starting TAMIFLU therapy. There is a special dosing schedule, as follows, for this group:
- Flu Treatment Dosage — One 75 mg dose, once daily for 5 days
- Flu Prevention Dosage — One 75 mg dose every other day or 30 mg dose once daily
How to Store TAMIFLU
TAMIFLU capsules should be stored at room temperature below 77ºF (25ºC) and kept in a dry place. Refrigerate liquid TAMIFLU at 36º to 46ºF (2º to 8ºC). Do not freeze. As with all medications, keep out of the reach of children.
*FluMist® is a registered trademark of MedImmune, Inc.
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