Oseltamivir

💊 What is Oseltamivir used for?

• •Treating acute, uncomplicated flu caused by influenza A or B in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had symptoms for no more than 48 hours.
• •Preventing flu caused by influenza A or B in people 1 year of age and older.

How it works

How it is usually taken

• •The label says the capsules can be taken with or without food, but taking them with food may reduce stomach upset. The label says treatment should start as soon as possible from the first flu symptoms, within 48 hours of symptoms starting. For prevention, the label says to start as soon as possible after exposure. How often and how long the medicine is taken depends on the reason for use, body weight, and kidney function, so follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist. If you cannot swallow capsules, the label says a liquid form is the preferred option. If that liquid is not available, the label says capsules may be opened and mixed with sweetened liquids such as chocolate syrup, corn syrup, caramel topping, or dissolved light brown sugar, but only if your prescriber or pharmacist has told you to do so.

Comes as

• •30 mg capsules
• •45 mg capsules
• •75 mg capsules

⚠️ Oseltamivir side effects

🛑 Who should not take Oseltamivir, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You are allergic to oseltamivir phosphate or any of the ingredients in the capsules. The label says this is a contraindication.
• 🚨You have end-stage renal disease and are not receiving dialysis. The label says this medicine is not recommended for these patients.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems swallowing capsules.
• •Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems or any other medical conditions.
• •Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed.
• •Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •The label says this medicine is not a substitute for an annual flu vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider about when to get your yearly flu vaccine.

🔀 Oseltamivir with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV, given as a nasal spray): the label says to avoid giving it within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after oseltamivir, unless medically necessary. This is because oseltamivir may reduce how well LAIV works.
• •Inactivated influenza vaccine: the label says it can be given at any time relative to oseltamivir.
• •The label says no dose changes are needed when oseltamivir is taken with amoxicillin, acetaminophen, aspirin, cimetidine, antacids (magnesium and aluminum hydroxides and calcium carbonates), rimantadine, amantadine, or warfarin.

Alcohol and food

The label says the capsules can be taken with or without food, and taking them with food may lower the chance of stomach upset. The label does not mention alcohol.

🤰 Oseltamivir in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It also says published data suggest that oseltamivir taken in any trimester is not associated with an increased risk of birth defects, though these studies have limits. The label notes that pregnant women are at higher risk of severe flu complications. Talk to your healthcare provider about your situation.

Breastfeeding

The label says oseltamivir can pass into breast milk in small amounts. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label does not say.

If a dose is missed

The label says to take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next scheduled dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at its usual time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

If too much is taken

The label says overdose reports have been received. In most cases of overdose, no side effects were reported. Side effects that did occur were similar to those seen at regular doses. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist what to do if you think you took too much.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Oseltamivir

• When should I start this medicine, and what should I do if my symptoms started more than 48 hours ago?
• Should I take this medicine with food, and what should I do if I have trouble swallowing capsules?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Can I get a live nasal flu vaccine while I am taking or after I take this medicine?
• What signs of allergic reaction or unusual behavior should I watch for?
• Does my kidney function affect whether this medicine is recommended for me?
• Are there any of my other medicines that could interact with this one?

❓ Oseltamivir: frequently asked questions