Generic name:oseltamivir [ os-el-TAM-ih-veer ]
Drug class:Neuraminidase inhibitors
What is Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is an antiviral medication that blocks the actions of influenza virus types A and B in your body.
Tamiflu is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in people have had symptoms for less than 2 days. This medicine may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Tamiflu will not treat the common cold.
Tamiflu should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu shot to help protect you each year from new strains of influenza virus.
Warnings
Tamiflu 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 Tamiflu, 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 Tamiflu for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Some people using oseltamivir have had rare side effects of sudden confusion, delirium, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or self-injury. These symptoms have occurred most often in children. It is not known whether this medicine was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using this medicine should be watched closely for sig...
