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What is Tamiflu
OseltamivirThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryOseltamivir (brand name TamifluⓇ) is a medication used to treat and prevent infections caused by influenza A and B viruses. It works by blocking the activity of the virus's neuraminidase enzyme, preventing the virus from replicating and spreading. It is most effective when taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, but can still be beneficial if taken up to 48 hours after symptom onset. Oseltamivir can reduce fever and illness symptoms, and may reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure in those at higher risk, such as children, elderly, pregnant women
Tamifluis the brand name
Tamiflu Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Tamiflu
Oseltamivir
1999
141
Effectiveness
How Tamiflu Affects PatientsIn rare cases, there have been reports of patients taking oseltamivir for influenza experiencing delirium and abnormal behavior, which has sometimes led to injury or even death. These events were reported primarily among pediatric patients and had a sudden start and end. It is still unclear how much oseltamivir contributes to these events. It's important to remember that influenza can be associated with neurologic and behavioral symptoms, including hallucinations, delirium, and abnormal behavior, that can sometimes be fatal.
How Tamiflu works in the bodyOseltamivir phosphate is a drug that helps fight off the flu virus. It works by blocking the spread of the virus by blocking its neuraminidase enzymes. These enzymes are found on the surface of the virus and are responsible for the virus entering uninfected cells and for new virus particles from being released from infected cells. Oseltamivir prevents this from happening, which stops the spread of the virus and reduces its ability to cause infection. It works against both influenza A and influenza B, including pandemic H1N1.
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended measure of Tamiflu is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Influenza A, Influenza B, Symptomatic for no more than 48 hours. and Influenza virus vaccine. The amount also shifts depending on the technique of administration (e.g. Capsule or Capsule - Oral) identified in the below table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Fever
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Influenza
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Influenza
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
influenza A virus
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Influenza A, Influenza B
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
less than 1 year of age
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Influenza Type B
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Influenza Epidemic
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Clinical Supervision
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Symptomatic for no more than 48 hours.
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Only during an influenza pandemic outbreak
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Influenza virus vaccine
, 75.0 mg, 6.0 mg/mL, 45.0 mg, 12.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral, For suspension, For suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Tamiflu.Common Tamiflu Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abacavir
Minor
Oseltamivir may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Acetaminophen
Minor
Oseltamivir may decrease the excretion rate of Acetaminophen which could result in a higher serum level.
Aclidinium
Minor
Oseltamivir may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acrivastine
Minor
Oseltamivir may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.
Albutrepenonacog alfa
Minor
Oseltamivir may decrease the excretion rate of Albutrepenonacog alfa which could result in a higher serum level.
Tamiflu Toxicity & Overdose RiskThere have been reports of people overdosing on oseltamivir, but generally no negative side effects were reported. In some cases, the reactions experienced were similar to those seen in people taking the drug at the recommended dosage.
Tamiflu Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Tamiflu?
64 active clinical trials are currently examining the potential of Tamiflu to provide Clinical Supervision, prophylaxis and treatment for Influenza A and B, as well as Fever.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Influenza
32 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 1
Influenza
0 Actively Recruiting
Only during an influenza pandemic outbreak
0 Actively Recruiting
Fever
18 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable
Influenza Epidemic
0 Actively Recruiting
Influenza Type B
4 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Clinical Supervision
0 Actively Recruiting
influenza A virus
4 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
less than 1 year of age
0 Actively Recruiting
Symptomatic for no more than 48 hours.
0 Actively Recruiting
Influenza virus vaccine
0 Actively Recruiting
Influenza A, Influenza B
0 Actively Recruiting
Tamiflu Reviews: What are patients saying about Tamiflu?
5Patient Review
3/7/2020 My daughter got the flu on Tuesday and we had her tested and on Tamiflu by Wednesday afternoon. By that evening, she was already looking better and woke up fever-free the next morning. This was a huge relief for us.
5Patient Review
2/19/2020 I started taking this medication at the first sign of sickness and it really helped. I still felt awful for a couple days, but by day three my fever had broken and I was feeling much better. If you can, try to catch your illness early on for the best chance of recovery.
5Patient Review
2/19/2020 I was feeling better within just a few days of taking this medication, and I had absolutely no side effects. It worked like a charm!
5Patient Review
2/16/2020 I began taking Tamiflu about 14 hours after my severe flu symptoms started. I felt awful for the next 12 hours, but then started to feel better. The next day, most of my symptoms were gone--though I could still sense a little bit of sickness. Based on what I've read from other people's reviews, I had a much better experience than many others seem to have had. The only side effects I experienced were some mild dizziness on day 4 and body itchiness on day 3.
5Patient Review
2/1/2020 I've never had the flu in my life, but this year was really bad. I'm so glad I took Tamiflu because it saved me from a lot of suffering.
5Patient Review
2/12/2020 I was diagnosed with influenza and began taking Tamiflu. After just two days, I felt like my old self again. This medication is wonderful!
5Patient Review
10/20/2022 I was reluctant to take Tamiflu due to all of the negative side effects that are listed. However, my doctor highly recommended it and I decided to start a 5 day course. I'm glad that I did! Not only did I not experience any negative side effects, but I felt better after just one pill. If you're considering taking Tamiflu, I would definitely recommend it. Just make sure to take it on a full stomach.
4.3Patient Review
2/22/2020 Tamaflu quickly and effectively broke my fever, though I'm still dealing with a cough. Ibuprofen wasn't helping me at all, but this prescription did the trick. So far I haven't experienced any negative side effects.
3Patient Review
11/17/2020 I always get the flu and right after taking the Tamiflu, I throw up.
2.3Patient Review
2/15/2020 I initially found Tamiflu helpful for my flu symptoms. However, the side effects were debilitating. I felt lightheaded and dizzy, had a headache that lasted for days, and was unable to sleep. As a result, I stopped taking the medication before finishing the course.
1Patient Review
1/31/2020 After just one hour, I felt incredibly restricted in my breathing. It felt like my throat was closing off and it was difficult to breathe. My mouth also became very dry. Do not take this medication! You will feel much better without it!
1Patient Review
11/11/2021 I had some really unpleasant side effects from this medication that made it impossible for me to continue taking it. I would not recommend it to anyone.
1Patient Review
2/15/2020 I had an incredibly negative experience with this medication. It made me nauseous and vomit each time I took it, and also gave me a lot of stomach pain. Avoid at all costs.
1Patient Review
7/11/2022 I tested positive for the flu and negative for covid so I was prescribed Tamiflu. However, after taking it as directed, my symptoms have only doubled.
Patient Q&A Section about tamiflu
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Tamiflu worth taking?
"The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Infectious disease Society of America recommend Tamiflu for patients who have a higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia that may follow influenza. This includes "at risk" patients such as those who are hospitalized, pregnant women, etc."
Answered by AI
Can I get Tamiflu over-the-counter?
"The prescription drug Tamiflu is used to treat symptoms of the flu such as a stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue. It may also be used to prevent the flu virus, influenza. Tamiflu is not available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from a doctor."
Answered by AI
What exactly does Tamiflu do?
"Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that works by attacking the flu virus to keep it from multiplying in your body and by reducing the symptoms of the flu. Tamiflu can sometimes keep you from getting the flu if you take it before you get sick."
Answered by AI
How long does it take for Tamiflu to work?
"The most effective treatment for influenza is received when the person starts taking Tamiflu within 48 hours after the first symptoms start to appear, according to Govorkova. She said that Tamiflu has been clinically proven to reduce the duration of influenza symptoms by one to two days. Although this may not seem like much, it is still the most effective treatment option available."
Answered by AI
When Should Tamiflu be taken?
"If you have the flu, or think you may have been exposed to the flu, take this medication as soon as possible. It is most effective if taken within 2 days of either event. Oseltamivir should be taken twice a day for 5 days, as directed by a doctor."
Answered by AI
How quickly does Tamiflu begin to work?
"It is most effective to start taking Tamiflu within 48 hours of the first appearance of symptoms, according to Govorkova. She said that while Tamiflu is clinically proven to reduce the duration of influenza symptoms by one to two days, that may not seem like much."
Answered by AI