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Oseltamivir is used to treat illness due to influenza virus in
patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Oseltamivir is
also used to prevent infection with the influenza virus.
Oseltamivir may
also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
Who should not take oseltamivir?
Before taking oseltamivir, tell your doctor if you have
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kidney disease,
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liver disease, or
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any other chronic or serious illnesses.
You may not be able to take oseltamivir, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
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Oseltamivir is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether oseltamivir will harm an unborn baby. Do not
take this medication without first talking to your doctor if
you are pregnant.
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It is not known whether oseltamivir passes into breast milk.
It is also not known whether it will harm a nursing baby. Do
not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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The safety and effectiveness of oseltamivir have not been
established for children younger than 18 years of age in the
treatment of the influenza virus and in children younger
than 13 years of age for the prevention of infection with
the influenza virus.
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How should I take oseltamivir?
Take oseltamivir
exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you.
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Take each capsule with a full glass of water.
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Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure
that you get the correct dosage, measure the liquid form of
oseltamivir with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring
device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
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Oseltamivir can
be taken with or without food. Taking oseltamivir with food may
decrease stomach upset.
Oseltamivir is usually taken twice a day for 5 days. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
Treatment with oseltamivir should begin as soon as possible from the
first appearance of flu symptoms.
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Take all of the oseltamivir that has been prescribed for you
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to
improve before the infection is completely treated.
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You should also discuss the importance of a flu shot with your
doctor.
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Store oseltamivir capsules at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away
any unused suspension after 10 days.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue to take
oseltamivir at the usual times. However, if you don't remember the
missed dose until it is almost time for your next dose (within 2
hours), skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly
scheduled doses at the usual times. Do not take a double dose
of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention.
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Symptoms of a oseltamivir overdose include nausea and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking oseltamivir?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while
taking oseltamivir unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of oseltamivir?
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Stop taking oseltamivir and seek emergency medical attention
if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives).
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Other, less
serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
oseltamivir and talk to your doctor if you experience
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nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
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abdominal pain;
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headache;
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dizziness;
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fatigue;
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insomnia; or
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cough or other respiratory symptoms.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome.
What other
drugs will affect oseltamivir?
No other drugs have been reported to interact significantly with
oseltamivir. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
other prescription or over-the-counter medicines with oseltamivir.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist
has more information about oseltamivir written for health
professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Oseltamivir is
available with a prescription under the brand name Tamiflu in a
capsule formulation. Other brand or generic formulations may also be
available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you.
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Tamiflu75 mg-grey/light yellow hard gelatin
capsules
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Tamiflu Oral
Suspension-white, tutti-frutti-flavored suspension
For further information please click on
http://www.tamiflu.com/
Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. |
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