Oseltamivir
(Oseltamivir)Oseltamivir Overview
Oseltamivir is used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus (influenza). It helps make the symptoms (such as stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, aches, tiredness) less severe and shortens the recovery time by 1-2 days. Oseltamivir may also be used to prevent the flu if you have been exposed to someone who already has the flu (such as a sick household member) or if there is a flu outbreak in the community. Talk to your doctor for more details. Oseltamivir works by stopping the flu virus from growing. It is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. (See also Notes section.)
How to Use Oseltamivir
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medicine. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take Oseltamivir by mouth with or without food. You may take it with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take Oseltamivir as soon as flu symptoms appear or as soon as possible after you have been exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir works best if you start taking it within 2 days of either of these events. If you have the flu, take oseltamivir as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day for 5 days. To prevent the flu, take oseltamivir as directed by your doctor, usually once a day for at least 10 days. Follow your doctor's instructions for how long to take this medicine. The Dosage of Oseltamivir is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment. In children the Dosage of Oseltamivir is also based on weight. If you cannot swallow the capsules, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the liquid suspension form of oseltamivir. If the liquid is not available and if directed by your doctor or pharmacist, you may open up the capsule and mix the contents with a small amount of sweetened liquid (such as regular/sugar-free chocolate syrup, corn syrup, caramel topping, or light brown sugar dissolved in water). Stir the mixture and take the entire dose. Oseltamivir works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take Oseltamivir at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too early may allow the virus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection or failure to protect you from the flu. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse or if new symptoms appear.
Oseltamivir Precautions
Before taking oseltamivir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Oseltamivir may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Oseltamivir, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease (including dialysis treatment). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, Oseltamivir should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Oseltamivir passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Oseltamivir Misdose
If you miss a dose of Oseltamivir, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Oseltamivir Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor if you have received flu vaccine in the nose within 2 weeks before treatment with Oseltamivir. Oseltamivir may lower your protection from flu vaccine given in the nose. Wait at least 2 days after ending treatment with Oseltamivir before receiving flu vaccine given in the nose.
Oseltamivir Side Effects
Nausea and vomiting may occur. If either of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that Oseltamivir has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Oseltamivir do not have serious side effects. The flu itself or oseltamivir may rarely cause serious mental/mood changes. This may be more likely in children. Tell your doctor right away of any signs of unusual behavior,confusion, agitation, self-injury. A very serious allergic reaction to Oseltamivir is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Oseltamivir Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Oseltamivir when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
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