Tamiflu is an anti-viral drug used for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza in adults and children aged 1 year and older. It helps reduce the growth and spread of flu virus in your body.

It is available as a capsule or solution and must be taken within 12 to 48 hours from the first appearance of symptoms. If you have the flu, continue taking Tamiflu twice daily for 5 days, even if you start to feel better. To prevent the flu, take it once a day for at least 7 days. Protection lasts as long as you take the drug.

It can be taken with or without food. Taking the medicine with light snacks should help you to reduce stomach problems.

Flu Symptoms

The flu is characterized by a collection of symptoms that can occur suddenly, including:

• Fever (higher than 100° F)
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

What should you know before using Tamiflu?

No drug or food interactions have been reported. It is not known whether Tamiflu is completely safe during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, speak with your doctor before taking this medication.

You should inform your doctor if you are having any of the problems mentioned below:

• decreased kidney function;
• heart disease;
• liver disease;
• lung disease.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

If you have missed a dose take it as soon as possible. If it is within two hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.

Side effects of Tamiflu

The most common side effects include:

• coughing;
• difficulty in sleeping;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• nausea and vomiting;
• nosebleed;
• abdominal pain;
• asthma;
• bronchitis;
• cough;
• diarrhea;
• ear infection;
• fatigue.

Storage

Tamiflu should be kept at room temperature and out of the reach of children.

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