Information about Oseltamivir (Generic Tamiflu) :


Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug that is used to treat and prevent the flu. It may be administered for treating the flu in patients within 2 days of the onset of flu symptoms. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

You should not use Oseltamivir in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Oseltamivir; you are going to have an intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) within the next 2 days or you have had this vaccine within the past 2 weeks.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Oseltamivir:
Before using Oseltamivir you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have kidney problems.

Be aware that Oseltamivir may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: Intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) because its effectiveness may be decreased by Oseltamivir.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Oseltamivir:
Use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. It is recommended to take Oseltamivir orally with or without food. In case you have stomach upset, take Oseltamivir with food to reduce stomach irritation.

In case you are taking Oseltamivir for the purpose of treatment of the flu, start taking it as soon as possible from when you begin noticing flu symptoms.

In case you are taking Oseltamivir to prevent the flu, start using it as soon as possible, as recommended by your doctor.

Oseltamivir should be taken regularly for the full course of treatment to get the most benefit from it. Do not give up taking Oseltamivir even if you feel well. Try not to miss any doses.

In case you miss a dose of Oseltamivir, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Oseltamivir is efficient in treatment of influenza types A and B.

Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Oseltamivir usage may lead to dizziness or drowsiness. Try to avoid such activities. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase dizziness or lightheadedness while taking Oseltamivir. To prevent it, you should sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. It is also recommended to sit or lie down at the first sign of this effect.

Oseltamivir usage, especially in children, may rarely lead to an increased risk of confusion and unusual behavioral changes. You should consult with your doctor in case you have symptoms of confusion or any other unusual behavioral changes.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you take Oseltamivir before you undergo any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Inform your doctor that you use Oseltamivir before you receive any vaccines, including the intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).

You should know that Oseltamivir is not used as a substitute for a flu vaccine. Continue to get an annual flu shot if your doctor has recommended it.

In case your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they get worse, consult with your doctor.

Use Oseltamivir with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 1 year old, as safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Oseltamivir while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Oseltamivir passes into breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding a baby consult with your doctor and discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Oseltamivir:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: nausea; vomiting.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion or other unusual changes in behavior; fever or sore throat; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.