What is the most important information I should know about oseltamivir?
Some people using oseltamivir have had sudden unusual changes in mood or behavior, most often in children. It is not certain that oseltamivir is the exact cause. Even without using oseltamivir, anyone with influenza can have neurologic or behavioral effects that may lead to confusion or hallucinations. Call your doctor right away if the person using this medicine has any signs of unusual thoughts or behavior.
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 flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in people who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Oseltamivir may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Oseltamivir will not treat the common cold.
Oseltamivir 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.
Oseltamivir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using oseltamivir?
You should not use oseltamivir if you are allergic to it.
Do not use oseltamivir to treat flu symptoms in a child younger than 2 weeks old. Children as young as 1 year old may use zanamivir to prevent flu symptoms.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- heart disease or chronic lung disease;
- a condition causing swelling or disorder of the brain;
- a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine);
- hereditary fructose intolerance; or
- if you have used a nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within the past 2 weeks.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, getting sick with influenza during pregnancy can cause complications leading to birth defects, low birth weight, preterm delivery, or stillbirth. Your doctor will decide whether you should receive oseltamivir if you are pregnant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women may receive a yearly flu vaccine to prevent influenza. Oseltamivir is not to be used in place of the yearly flu shot.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I take oseltamivir?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Start taking oseltamivir as soon as possible after flu symptoms appear, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose.
Take the oseltamivir capsule with a full glass of water.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Oseltamivir may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
To treat flu symptoms: Take oseltamivir every 12 hours for 5 days.
To prevent flu symptoms: Take oseltamivir every 24 hours for 10 days or as prescribed. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Store oseltamivir capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store oseltamivir liquid in the refrigerator but do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 17 days.
The liquid may also be stored at cool room temperature for up to 10 days
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 2 hours. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking oseltamivir?
Do not use a nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within 48 hours after taking oseltamivir. Oseltamivir may interfere with the drug action of FluMist, making the vaccine less effective. Follow your doctor's instructions.
What are the possible side effects of oseltamivir?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Some people using oseltamivir (especially children) have had sudden unusual changes in mood or behavior. It is not certain that oseltamivir is the exact cause of these symptoms. Even without using oseltamivir, anyone with influenza can have neurologic or behavioral symptoms. Call your doctor right away if the person using this medicine has:
- sudden confusion;
- tremors or shaking;
- unusual behavior; or
- hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there).
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting;
- headache; or
- pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect oseltamivir?
Other drugs may affect oseltamivir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about oseltamivir.
