Brand Name
Tamiflu
Common Name
oseltamivir
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02245549 | TAMIFLU 12MG/ML ORAL SUSPENSION |
| 02241472 | TAMIFLU 75MG CAPSULE |
| 02304848 | TAMIFLU 30MG CAPSULE |
| 02304856 | TAMIFLU 45MG CAPSULE |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Oseltamivir belongs to the family of medications called antivirals. It is used to treat the influenza viruses that cause the flu. It works by inhibiting an enzyme the flu virus needs to spread through your body. If it is used within 2 days of the start of flu symptoms, oseltamivir can reduce the time it takes for flu symptoms to improve by about one day.
Oseltamivir is also used to prevent influenza following close contact with an infected person.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult (13 years of age and above) dose of oseltamivir for treatment of influenza is 75 mg, taken twice a day and starting within 2 days of the onset of flu symptoms and continuing for 5 days. It can be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food.
For children (1 to 12 years) the dosage is based on body weight of the child. The appropriate dose is taken twice a day.
To prevent influenza, oseltamivir should be started within 2 days of close contact with an infected person, after symptoms start appearing. The usual dose of oseltamivir for the prevention of influenza in adults is 75 mg, taken once a day for 10 days. The dosage for children is based on body weight, taken once a day. Children and seniors should take oseltamivir for at least 10 days, though they may often continue therapy for up to 14 days.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. The oral suspension may be stored at room temperature for 10 days from the day of mixing, or in the refrigerator for 17 days from the day of mixing.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Capsules
30 mg
Each light yellow, hard gelatin capsule for oral use, with "ROCHE" printed in blue ink on the light yellow body and "30 mg" printed in blue ink on the light yellow cap, contains oseltamivir 30 mg as oseltamivir phosphate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone K30, sodium stearyl fumarate, and talc; shell: gelatin, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. Each capsule is printed with blue ink, which includes FD&C Blue No. 2 as a colorant.
45 mg
Each grey, hard gelatin capsule for oral use, with "ROCHE" printed in blue ink on the grey body and "45 mg" printed in blue ink on the grey cap, contains oseltamivir 45 mg as oseltamivir phosphate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone K30, sodium stearyl fumarate, and talc; shell: gelatin, black iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. Each capsule is printed with blue ink, which includes FD&C Blue No. 2 as a colorant.
75 mg
Each grey/light yellow, hard gelatin capsule for oral use, with "ROCHE" printed in blue ink on the grey body and "75 mg" printed in blue ink on the light yellow cap, contains oseltamivir 75 mg as oseltamivir phosphate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone K30, sodium stearyl fumarate, and talc; shell: gelatin, black iron oxide, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. Each capsule is printed with blue ink, which includes FD&C Blue No. 2 as a colorant.
Powder for oral suspension
Each bottle of white powder blend for reconstitution to a white tutti-frutti-flavoured suspension, contains oseltamivir 900 mg as oseltamivir phosphate, which when reconstituted contains 12 mg/mL oseltamivir. Net contents after reconstitution: 75 mL. Nonmedicinal ingredients: monosodium citrate, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sorbitol, titanium dioxide, tutti-frutti flavouring, and xanthan gum.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this mediction if you are allergic to oseltamivir or any ingredients of the medication.
Do not give this medication to children less than 1 year old.
