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A: Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is a prescription medicine to treat flu, particularly flu infections caused by one of the influenza A or B viruses. Tamiflu belongs to a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. They attack the flu virus and prevent it from spreading inside your body. Rather than just masking flu symtoms,Tamiflu targets the virus that causes the flu. It also treats flu symptoms by lessening them and shortening the duration of illness. Tamiflu comes in capsule form to be taken orally. Most prescriptions are for 10 doses/capsules.
A: Tamiflu is for adults, adolescents, and children over the age of one who have the flu and whose flu symptoms started within the last day or two. Tamiflu is also used to reduce the chances of getting the flu in people age 13 and older who spend time with someone who has the flu. Tamiflu can also reduce your chances of getting the flu if there is a flu outbreak in the community.
A: You should not take Tamiflu if you are allergic to the active ingredient oseltamivir phosphate. Before starting treatment, make sure your doctor knows about your medical history, especially any type of kidney disease, and if you are taking any other medication.
A: Typical flu symptoms include sudden onset of fever and chills, cough, body pain, headache, fatigue and weakness. Some people also get a stuffy nose and sore throat. This resource page has more information on flu symptoms.
A: Tamiflu only treats viral strains of influenza A and B. Your doctor can advise you on what type of flu you likely have and whether Tamiflu is the right medication. Tamiflu is not recommended for flu-like illnesses such as: stomach flu, the common cold, or other respiratory illnesses.
A: In two large clinical trials, flu patients who took Tamiflu felt better 1.3 days (30%) faster than flu patients who did not take Tamiflu.
A: Tamiflu has been shown to have only minimal drug interactions. Your doctor may recommend you also take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol to reduce fever or other symptoms while Tamiflu's antiviral action takes effect.
A: Tamiflu should be taken twice daily (morning and evening) for five days. Tamiflu can be taken with or without food. As with many medicines, if Tamiflu is taken with milk or food the potential for stomach upset is reduced. You should complete the entire treatment of ten capsules, even if you are feeling better. Never share Tamiflu with anyone, even if they have the same flu symptoms. It is important that you begin your treatment with Tamiflu as soon as possible from the first appearance of your flu symptoms.
A: Tamiflu is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting. Taking Tamiflu with milk or food may reduce these side effects.
A: Tamiflu is not a substitute for a flu shot. You should continue receiving an annual flu shot if your physician recommends it. The flu shot does not prevent the flu in all cases, so you may still want to consider using Tamiflu to either lower your chances of getting sick or to minimize your flu symptoms should you get sick.
A: You can get more specific product information about Tamiflu..
