Tamiflu for Adults
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
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Who can take Tamiflu1
Tamiflu is approved for flu treatment in people 2 weeks of age and older. Tamiflu is approved for prevention in people who are 1 year of age 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 a fruit-flavored liquid form called Tamiflu for Oral Suspension (6 mg/mL) with a dosing dispenser.
- Tamiflu is also available in capsule form.
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.
Flu prevention for adults and teens aged 13 years and older1
- Take 1 dose, once daily, for 10 days or as long as prescribed.
- One dose is 75 mg/12.5 mL for adults and teens weighing 88.1 lbs/40.1 kg or more.
Help Stop the Flu Before it Hits
Tamiflu may help prevent the flu. In a study of people over 12 years old who were exposed to the flu, taking Tamiflu reduced the chance of getting the flu by 92%.22,23
Tamiflu is not a substitute for the flu shot. Vaccination is still the first line of defense for flu protection.2
| Treatment dosing for 5 days | Prevention dosing for 10 days | Volume of oral suspension (6 mg/mL) for each dose* | Number of bottles of oral suspension to dispense | Number of capsules and strength to dispense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 mg twice daily | 75 mg once daily | 12.5 mL† | 3 bottles | 10 capsules, 75 mg |
* 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. No recommended dosing regimens are available for patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing routine hemodialysis or continuous peritoneal dialysis treatment. | ||||
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.
You can take Tamiflu for up to 6 weeks if you are exposed to the flu because of an outbreak in your community. 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 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
- Store Tamiflu capsules at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Store Tamiflu for oral suspension in the refrigerator for up to 17 days between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Store Tamiflu for oral suspension for up to 10 days at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Safely throw away any unused Tamiflu that is out of date or no longer needed.
How to administer liquid Tamiflu1
If you are taking Tamiflu for Oral Suspension, your pharmacist will give you a dosing dispenser. 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 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 Prescribing Information for complete safety information.
Quick Fact
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.