Oseltamivir Phosphate, Oral

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is taken by mouth to prevent or treat infections caused by influenza viruses. Take it exactly as directed.
• This medicine is not a substitute for a flu shot. You should continue to get a flu shot every year.
• Keep all appointments for tests to see how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiviral

Generic and brand names: oseltamivir phosphate, oral; Tamiflu

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to prevent or treat infections caused by influenza viruses. It does not treat bacterial or other types of infections.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before you take this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• A weakened immune system from cancer treatment, diseases such as HIV/AIDS, or from taking steroid medicines or medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection
• Fructose intolerance (the liquid contains sorbitol)
• Heart disease
• Kidney or liver disease
• Lung disease

Tell your provider if you have gotten the nasal-spray flu vaccine within the past 2 weeks. Do not get the nasal spray flu vaccine for at least 48 hours after you use this medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. If you are taking this medicine to prevent the flu, take as directed by your healthcare provider. Be sure to take this medicine for as long as prescribed, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up completely if you stop the medicine too soon.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children under 1 year of age.

This medicine is most effective if you take it within 2 days after your flu symptoms start.

This medicine comes in capsules or a liquid that is taken by mouth. If you have the liquid, shake the medicine before each use. The pharmacist will give you a marked measuring device. It is important that you use this measuring device. If your healthcare provider has instructed you to take the oral suspension or open your capsules, read the detailed Instructions for Use included in the medicine package. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions. You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the medicine will upset your stomach.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you are scheduled to take your next dose in 2 hours or less, skip the missed dose and take 1 dose at the usual time. Do not take double doses. If you miss several doses, ask your healthcare provider what to do.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting.

What should I watch out for?

People with the flu, particularly children and teens, who take this medicine may have behavior changes. Contact your provider right away if you notice changes in thoughts or behavior, such as:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Trouble talking
• Shaking or seizures
• Suicidal thoughts

This medicine is not a substitute for a flu shot. You should continue to get a flu shot every year.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Confusion; hallucinations; depression; suicidal thoughts; severe skin rash or redness, peeling, or blisters; irregular heartbeat; yellowing of your eyes or skin; seizures.

Other: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, trouble sleeping, cough, runny or stuffy nose, dizziness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Probenecid
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

Do not get the nasal spray flu vaccine for at least 48 hours after you use this medicine.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store the capsules at room temperature. The liquid may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 17 days or at room temperature for up to 10 days. Always follow the directions on the medicine bottle for storage. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not let the medicine freeze.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.