Tamiflu

The recommended adult (13 years of age and above) dose of oseltamivir for treatment of influenza is 75 mg, taken twice a day starting within 2 days of the onset of flu symptoms and continuing for 5 days. It can be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food.

For children (1 to 12 years) the dosage is based on the body weight of the child. The appropriate dose is taken twice a day.

To prevent influenza, oseltamivir should be started within 2 days of close contact with an infected person, after symptoms start appearing. The usual dose of oseltamivir for the prevention of influenza in adults is 75 mg, taken once a day for 10 days. The dosage for children is based on body weight, taken once a day. Children and seniors should take oseltamivir for at least 10 days, though they may often continue therapy for up to 14 days.

If you are using the liquid form of Tamiflu, use an oral syringe to measure each dose, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons. If the liquid is not available, the capsules may be opened and mixed with a small amount of a sweetened liquid, such as chocolate syrup.

Finish all Tamiflu, even if you have started to feel better.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Tamiflu be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Tamiflu at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. The oral suspension may be stored at room temperature for 10 days from the day of mixing, or in the refrigerator for 17 days from the day of mixing. Shake well before each use.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause nausea and vomiting. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Capsules

30 mg
Each light yellow, hard gelatin capsule for oral use, with "ROCHE" printed in blue ink on the light yellow body and "30 mg" printed in blue ink on the light yellow cap, contains oseltamivir 30 mg as oseltamivir phosphate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone K30, sodium stearyl fumarate, and talc; shell: gelatin, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. Each capsule is printed with blue ink, which includes FD&C Blue No. 2 as a colorant.

45 mg
Each grey, hard gelatin capsule for oral use, with "ROCHE" printed in blue ink on the grey body and "45 mg" printed in blue ink on the grey cap, contains oseltamivir 45 mg as oseltamivir phosphate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone K30, sodium stearyl fumarate, and talc; shell: gelatin, black iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. Each capsule is printed with blue ink, which includes FD&C Blue No. 2 as a colorant.

75 mg
Each grey/light yellow, hard gelatin capsule for oral use, with "ROCHE" printed in blue ink on the grey body and "75 mg" printed in blue ink on the light yellow cap, contains oseltamivir 75 mg as oseltamivir phosphate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone K30, sodium stearyl fumarate, and talc; shell: gelatin, black iron oxide, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. Each capsule is printed with blue ink, which includes FD&C Blue No. 2 as a colorant.

Powder for oral suspension
Each bottle of white powder blend for reconstitution to a white tutti-frutti-flavoured suspension, contains oseltamivir 390 mg as oseltamivir phosphate, which when reconstituted contains 6 mg/mL oseltamivir. Net contents after reconstitution: 75 mL. Nonmedicinal ingredients: monosodium citrate, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sorbitol, titanium dioxide, tutti-frutti flavouring, and xanthan gum.

Do not use Tamiflu if you are allergic to oseltamivir or any ingredients of the medication.

Do not give Tamiflu to children less than 1 year old.

There may be an interaction between oseltamivir and any of the following:

• influenza virus nasal spray vaccine
• Clopidogrel
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Tamiflu. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Tamiflu.

Effectiveness: The benefit of oseltamivir has not been evaluated for the treatment of flu symptoms that have been present for more than 2 days.

Flu shots: Oseltamivir is not a substitute for the flu shot. Continue to receive an annual flu shot as advised by your doctor.

Fructose intolerance: The liquid suspension form of Tamiflu contains sorbitol, making it inappropriate for people with hereditary fructose intolerance. If you have fructose intolerance, you should not take the liquid form of oseltamivir.

Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Tamiflu to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Tamiflu may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Tamiflu, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Oseltamivir may also cause decreased liver function, and liver failure in rare cases. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Neurological effects: There have been rare reports of people who have experienced neurological and psychological problems while taking oseltamivir. These included hallucinations, delusions, delirium, abnormal behaviour, and self-injury. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns about Tamiflu, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: Tamiflu should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Tamiflu, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Tamiflu passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking oseltamivir, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Mothers who are breast-feeding children under one year old should not take Tamiflu.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Tamiflu have not been established for children under one year of age.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Generally, a treatment with this medication lasts several days. Take it for the entire time prescribed in order to achieve the medication's full benefit. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. To be effective, this product must be mixed well. Shake the bottle several times before using the medication. Measure each dose with an accurate measuring device, such as an oral syringe. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food. If it were, however, to cause stomach problems (nausea or irritation), taking the product with food could provide relief.