Tamiflu

Generic name- Oseltamivir phosphate
Brand name - Tamiflu

To keep flu aloof, there is no superior medication than Tamiflu. Laden with the active ingredient Oseltamivir phosphate, Tamiflu is from the group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. It is devised with precision to cure and prevent influenza or flu infection. Manufactured in the form of capsule and suspension, it is utilized for flu treatment in adults and children who are above one year of age and have had flu symptoms for not over two days. In addition, Tamiflu also comes handy for the prevention of influenza in adults and children who are above one year of age and have been in the contact of person diagnosed with flu.

The breakthrough preparation works by impeding the spread of influenza virus in the human body. But remember, Oseltamivir can avert flu as long as one takes it up.

How to be utilized?
To reap maximum relief, Tamiflu must be taken with in two days of the commencement of influenza symptoms or contact with the influenza virus. If you suffer from flu, then the preparation must be taken twice a day for five days. As far as the prevention of flu is related, take Oseltamivir once a day for minimum seven days. In case of upset stomach due to Tamiflu, start taking it with meals. And if you are using liquid suspension, shake it well before every application. Keep these vital points at the back of your mind before taking decision to buy tamiflu.

If you forget a dose
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you came to know. However, if it is within two hours of your next scheduled dose intake, leave the missed dose and follow your regular dosing plan.

Tamiflu side effects
Following are some of the tamiflu side effects that one can experience:

• Abdominal pain
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Diarrhea
• Ear infection
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Vomiting

Specific precautions to be implemented
Other than above cited points, one must also have comprehensive tamiflu information concerning critical precautions to be taken before or while the treatment. Below are some precautionary measures to be applied:

• Do not use Oseltamivir if you are allergic to it.
• Make your doctor aware if you have kidney disorder as your doctor may need to reduce your daily dose of the preparation.
• Also inform your doctor if you have week immune system or a liver disease as the safety and efficacy of tamiflu has not been studied in this class of patients.
• It only treats the influenza virus and does not prevent bacterial infections that may also occur while flu.

Possible drug interactions

• Make your doctor aware of the preparations you are using including prescription and OTC medicines and herbal drugs before commencing treatment with Oseltamivir.
• Similarly check with your doctor before integrating tamiflu with following drugs:
  • Chlorpropamide
  • Phenylbutazone
  • Methotrexate

Instructions for dosage
Store this preparation at room temperature. If you are applying liquid suspension, then it must be refrigerated.