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Tamiflu FAQ
Tamiflu FAQ
What is Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is the brand name of the antiviral drug, oseltamivir, which has been approved for the treatment of flu. It is a prescription drug and must be started within two days of getting flu like symptoms.
Who is Tamiflu suitable for?
Tamiflu is suitable of flu prevention and treatment of flu in adults and children aged 1 year and older.
How do I take Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is available both in pill form and as a fruit flavoured syrup, the latter being suitable for children and adults who have difficulty swallowing pills. It can be taken with or without food, but if taken with a light meal it can reduce the risk of an upset stomach.
What dose should I take?
The standard dose of Tamiflu for adults and children aged 13 and over is one 75 mg tablet taken twice daily for five days.
When Tamiflu is being taken for flu prevention, it should be taken once daily for ten days.
For children less than 13 years, the dose level will depend upon the weight of the child, and your doctor will advise you on this. Never give a child the adult dose or guess what you think the right amount should be.
Doses of Tamiflu for Treatment of Flu (taken from Tamiflu.com)
| Age and Weight | Pill Dosage | Liquid Dosage (using oral dosing dispenser) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and Children 13 years and over |
1 Dose= One 75 mg pill |
1 Dose= 75 mg |
| Children 1 – 12 years | ||
| 33 lbs. or less (15 kg or less) |
1 Dose= One 30 mg pill |
1 Dose= 30 mg |
| 34 lbs – 51 lbs (16 kg – 23 kg) |
1 Dose= One 45 mg pill |
1 Dose= 45 mg |
| 52 lbs – 88 lbs (24 kg – 40 kg) |
1 Dose= Two 30 mg pills |
1 Dose= 60 mg |
| 89 lbs or more (41 kg or more) |
1 Dose= One 75 mg pill |
1 Dose= 75 mg* |
*The 75 mg dose can be measured using a combination of 30 mg and 45 mg.
- Children 33 lbs or less (15 kg or less): 2.5 mL (½ tsp)
- Children 34 lbs - 51 lbs (16 kg - 23 kg): 3.8 mL (¾ tsp)
- Children 52 lbs - 88 lbs (23 kg - 40 kg): 5.0 mL (1 tsp)
- People 89 lbs or more (41 kg or more): 6.2 mL (1 ¼ tsp)
What should I do if I miss my dose of Tamiflu?
Take the tablet as soon as possible, unless you are within two hours of the next dose being due. Don't take two together to make up for missing one.
I have kidney disease, what should I do?
You should inform your doctor about this before he writes you a prescription for Tamiflu. It is likely that he will put you on a different dosing schedule for Tamiflu. For example, for treatment of flu, you are likely to be prescribed one 75mg dose per day for five days; for flu prevention, one 75 mg dose every other day for 10 days, or one 30 mg dose daily.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects of Tamiflu are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting, but Tamiflu is generally well tolerated. See side effects for more detailed information.
Is there anything else I should be aware of?
- You should not take Tamiflu if you are allergic to Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) or other ingredients in the tablet.
- You should not take Tamiflu whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. The effects of Tamiflu on the unborn or nursing baby are not known.
- Make your doctor aware if you are suffering from kidney disease of any type.
- Intranasal flu vaccines should not be given within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after takine Tamiflu, unless your doctor says otherwise.
Is it available on private prescription?
Yes, either from a private clinic or online.