Oseltamivir (Systemic)

Brand name(s): Tamiflu

Proper Use of This Medicine

Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a flu shot if you have not had one yet. Patient information about oseltamivir is available. Read this information carefully.

For patients taking oseltamivir for treatment of the flu: This medicine works best if taken within 2 days of having flu symptoms (weakness, headache, fever, cough, and sore throat). Oseltamivir capsules may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. Taking oseltamivir with food may lessen the possibility of stomach upset. This medicine should be taken for 5 days. Continue taking this medicine for the full time of treatment even if you begin to feel better after a few days. This will help to clear up your infection completely. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.

For patients taking oseltamivir for prevention of the flu after exposure: The medicine should be taken within 2 days of being exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir capsules may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. Taking oseltamivir with food may lessen the possibility of stomach upset. This medicine should be taken for at least 7 days.

For patients taking the oral suspension form of this medicine:

• This medicine is to be taken only by mouth. Use the specially marked measuring device that is given to you with the medicine to measure each dose accurately. The average household spoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
• Do not use after the expiration date on the label. The medicine may not work properly after that date. If you have any questions about this, check with your pharmacist.

Dosing-

The dose of oseltamivir will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of oseltamivir. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage forms (capsules and oral suspension):
  • For treatment of the flu:
    • Adults: 75 milligrams (mg) two times a day for five days.
    • Children 1 year of age or older: Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually between 30 and 75 mg two times a day for five days.
    • Children up to 1 year of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For prevention of the flu:
    • Adults and teenagers 13 years of age or older: 75 mg once a day for at least seven days.
    • Children up to 13 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose-

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the body. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose, take as soon as possible, except if it is near the next dose (within 2 hours). Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you have missed several doses, inform your doctor and follow the advice given to you.

Storage-

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store the capsules in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Store the oral suspension at room temperature or in the refrigerator. However, keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Last Revised: 01/10/2001

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