Taking TAMIFLU
TAMIFLU is a prescription medication for flu prevention and treatment in adults and children age 1 and older.
- TAMIFLU is available in capsule form
- TAMIFLU is also available in a fruit–flavored liquid form with a dosing dispenser for children age 1 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 or as long as prescribed
(see TAMIFLU Dosage chart for dose amount)
- You can take TAMIFLU for up to 6 weeks if you are exposed to the flu because of an outbreak in your community
TAMIFLU Dosage by Age and Weight
| Age and Weight |
Capsule Dosage |
Liquid Dosage
(using oral dosing dispenser) |
Adults and Children
13 yrs. and older |
1 Dose=
One 75 mg capsule |
1 Dose=
75 mg |
| Children 1 – 12 yrs. |
|
|
33 lbs. or less
(15 kg or less) |
1 Dose=
One 30 mg capsule |
1 Dose=
30 mg |
34 lbs – 51 lbs
(16 kg – 23 kg) |
1 Dose=
One 45 mg capsule |
1 Dose=
45 mg |
52 lbs – 88 lbs
(24 kg – 40 kg) |
1 Dose=
Two 30 mg capsules |
1 Dose=
60 mg |
89 lbs or more
(41 kg or more) |
1 Dose=
One 75 mg capsule |
1 Dose=
75 mg* |
*The 75 mg dose can be measured using a combination of 30 mg and 45 mg.
Learn how to ensure proper dosing when using the TAMIFLU Oral Dosing Dispenser
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 (24 kg - 40 kg): 5.0 mL (1 tsp)
- For people 89 lbs or more (41 kg or more): 6.2 mL (1 ¼ tsp)
If TAMIFLU liquid is not available, your healthcare provider may instruct you to open TAMIFLU Capsules and mix the contents with sweetened liquids such as regular or sugar-free chocolate syrup.
Learn more about mixing TAMIFLU Capsule contents with sweetened liquids
If the appropriate size TAMIFLU capsules are not available for mixing with sweetened liquids, your Pharmacist may follow the directions in the TAMIFLU Prescribing Information for emergency compounding of an oral suspension.
What to Do if You Miss Your TAMIFLU Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, except if it is 2 hours or less before your next 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 healthcare professional and follow the advice given to you.
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.
How to Store TAMIFLU
TAMIFLU capsules should be stored at room temperature 77ºF (25ºC) and kept in a dry place. TAMIFLU for Oral Suspension should be stored under refrigeration for up to 17 days at 36º to 46ºF (2º to 8ºC). Do not freeze. Alternatively, store at room temperature for up to 10 days. As with all medications, keep out of the reach of children.
TAMIFLU is prescribed for treating adults and children 1 year and older with influenza (flu) whose symptoms started within the last day or two. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in patients 1 year and older. TAMIFLU is not a substitute for the annual flu vaccinations (you should still get the flu shot every year).
Before taking TAMIFLU, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, respiratory disease, or other serious health conditions. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications or if you have received nasally administered influenza virus vaccine during the past two weeks.
If you develop an allergic reaction or a severe rash, stop taking TAMIFLU and contact your healthcare professional immediately, as it may be very serious. People with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at an increased risk of self injury and confusion shortly after taking TAMIFLU and should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior. A healthcare professional should be contacted immediately if the patient taking TAMIFLU shows any signs of unusual behavior.
The most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.
*FluMist® is a registered trademark of MedImmune, Inc.
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