Generic name: oseltamivir [ os-el-TAM-ih-veer ]
Brand name: Tamiflu
Drug class:Neuraminidase inhibitors
What is oseltamivir?
Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication that blocks the actions of influenza virus types A and B in your body.
Oseltamivir is used to treat influenza in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for 2 days or less. Oseltamivir may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may have been exposed but do not yet have symptoms. This medicine will not treat the common cold.
It is dangerous to purchase oseltamivir on the Internet or outside the United States. The sale and distribution of medicines outside the U.S. does not comply with safe-use regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medications may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of "Tamiflu" purchased on the Internet have been found to contain cloxacillin, a type of antibiotic that can have dangerous side effects in people who are allergic to penicillin.
Warnings
Oseltamivir is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. It may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. This medicine will not treat the common cold.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have received a nasal flu vaccine within the past 2 weeks, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease, or any other serious disease or health problem. Also tell your doctor if you have any condition causing swelling or disorder of the brain.
Take Oseltamivir for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may...
