What is Tamiflu: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Tamiflu

Tamiflu is taken by mouth in a fixed dose once or twice per day for a fixed period of time.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Do not take this medicine for any illness other than the flu.

• Start taking this medicine as soon as possible after flu symptoms begin or within two days after being exposed to influenza.

• Tamiflu can be taken with or without food.

Storage

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light. 

• While the oral suspension can be stored at room temperature, it must be used within 10 days. It’s better to store the oral suspension in the refrigerator (36˚-46˚), but it must be used within 17 days. Do not freeze. Safely dispose of any medicine that has not been used within this time.

Capsule

• Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew it.

• You may open the capsule and mix the contents with a sweet liquid (such as chocolate syrup, corn syrup, or sugar dissolved in water). Ask a healthcare provider if you have any questions.

Oral liquid

• Measure the liquid medicine with the oral syringe or metered dispenser that came with the medicine. Ask your pharmacist for a measuring syringe if you do not have one.

• Shake the closed bottle well before each use.

• Remove the cap from the bottle. 

• Make sure the syringe adapter has been pushed into the bottle opening. If not, fully insert the syringe adapter into the bottle opening.

• Push the syringe plunger all the way down to the tip.

• Insert the syringe tip into the adapter.

• Turn the bottle and syringe upside down.

• Slowly draw out enough liquid to the correct milliliter mark.

• Turn the bottle back to the upright position.

• Remove the syringe and place the tip in the mouth.

• Slowly empty the contents into the mouth and swallow.

• Securely fasten the child-safety cap back on the bottle.

Tamiflu contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to oseltamivir.

Tamiflu warnings

• This medicine is not a substitute for a yearly flu shot. It also will not prevent a bacterial infection.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Serious skin reactionsUnusual thoughts or behaviors

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• The liquid form of this medicine contains sorbitol. Tell your doctor if you have hereditary fructose intolerance.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Tamiflu interactions

• Do not use this medicine if you have received the live influenza vaccine (nasal mist) in the past 2 weeks or if you will receive the vaccine within 48 hours, unless your doctor says it is okay.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Serious skin reactionsUnusual thoughts or behaviors

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• The liquid form of this medicine contains sorbitol. Tell your doctor if you have hereditary fructose intolerance.

• This medicine is not a substitute for a yearly flu shot. It also will not prevent a bacterial infection.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.