Oseltamivir

What is Oseltamivir?

Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug that inhibits the action of influenza viruses A and B within your body.

Oseltamivir is a medicine used to combat the symptoms of influenza in those who are two weeks old and over and have experienced flu symptoms for two days or less. Oseltamivir can also be administered to protect against influenza in individuals who have been exposed but do not have any symptoms. This medication will not cure the common cold.

It's risky to buy oseltamivir over the Internet or from outside the United States. The distribution and sale of drugs in the U.S. do not comply with the safety-use rules of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medicines could contain hazardous ingredients, or they may not be sold by licensed pharmacies. A few samples that contain "Tamiflu" purchased on the Internet have been discovered to have cloxacillin in them, one type of antibiotic that can cause dangerous adverse effects for those who are allergic to penicillin.

Warnings

Oseltamivir will treat symptoms of flu that are caused by the influenza virus in people who have been suffering from signs of the virus for less than two days. It is also used to protect against influenza in those who have been exposed but have not yet developed symptoms. This medicine cannot cure the common cold.

Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you've had an influenza vaccine through the nasal route within the last two weeks or if you suffer from heart disease, kidney disease, lung illness, or any other serious condition or health issue. Tell your doctor if you suffer from any medical condition that causes swelling or disorders of the brain.

You should take oseltamivir for as long as prescribed, even if you start getting better. The symptoms could begin to get better before the infection has been completely cured.

A few people taking this medication have experienced uncommon reactions such as abrupt confusion, delirium, strange behavior, hallucinations, or self-injury. These signs have typically been seen among children. It is unclear if this medication was the primary reason behind these symptoms. But any person taking this medicine must be observed carefully for symptoms of anxiety or strange behavior. Contact a physician immediately if you or your child taking this medicine exhibits any of the symptoms listed above.

Before you Take this Drug

Oseltamivir is not recommended to replace an annual flu shot. According to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), a regular influenza shot is recommended to safeguard yourself each year from new strains of the influenza virus. It is possible to get the flu vaccine even if you are taking this medication.

Oseltamivir is not recommended when you are allergic to it.

Do not take oseltamivir to treat influenza in children younger than 3 months. Do not take this medicine for treating influenza in children younger than 2 weeks unless your physician has instructed you to do so.

Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

• Kidney disease (or if you're taking dialysis);

• Chronic lung disease

• An illness that causes swelling or disorders of the brain.

• A deficient immune system (caused through illness or the use of certain medications);

• Hereditary fructose intolerance,

• If you've taken an influenza nasal vaccination (FluMist) within the last two weeks.

It isn't known if this medication will cause harm to the unborn baby. However, contracting influenza during pregnancy could result in birth defects, preterm birth, or stillbirth. Your doctor will determine if you should take oseltamivir or not if you are pregnant.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest pregnant women receive an annual flu shot to protect against influenza. Oseltamivir is not recommended in lieu of the annual flu shot.

It's not clear if oseltamivir is absorbed into breast milk or if it is harmful to the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

How to take Oseltamivir?

Use oseltamivir according to the prescription given by your physician. Follow all instructions on your prescription label and review all medication guides or instruction sheets. Make sure you use the medication exactly as prescribed.

Take this medicine immediately when flu-like symptoms begin to show up, like a fever, chills, aches in the muscles, discomfort, a sore throat, and a stuffy or runny nose.You can take this oseltamivir capsule by drinking a bottle of water.Make sure to shake off the oral suspension (liquid) prior to determining the dosage. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or a dosage-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).Oseltamivir is a medicine that can be taken alongside food if it causes upset in your stomach.To treat symptoms of the flu, take oseltamivir every 12 hours for five days.

To help prevent the flu, take oseltamivir daily for 24 hours for a period of 10 days or as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's prescriptions.Take note of and follow the instructions for use that are included in your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist if you don't understand the instructions.Take this medication for the prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve quickly. Inform your doctor if symptoms don't improve or if they worsen.

Keep oseltamivir capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.Storage of the liquid medication in the refrigerator. However, don't freeze. Get rid of any unopened liquid within 17 days.Its liquid can be kept at a cool temperature in a cool area for up to 10 days.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not miss your missed dose if the coming dose falls within less than two hours. Don't take two doses at once.

What Happens If I Overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What Should be Avoided?

Do not take an influenza nasal vaccination (FluMist) within the first 48 days after taking this medicine. Oseltamivir could hinder the drug-related fluMist's action, making the vaccine less efficient. Follow the instructions of your doctor.

Side effects Of Oseltamivir

Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms warning of an allergy reaction to Oseltamivir (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or face) or a severe skin reaction (fever and burning eyes, sore throat or skin irritation, red and purple skin itching with peeling and blisters),

Some people who are taking the drug oseltamivir (especially kids) have experienced unexpected changes in behavior or mood. It is not certain if this medication is the cause of these symptoms. Even without taking oseltamivir, anyone suffering from influenza may experience behavioral or neurologic signs. Call your doctor immediately if you notice that the person who is taking this medicine suffers from:

• Sudden confusion;

• Shaking or tremors;

• Unusual behavior  unusual behavior

• Hallucinations (hearing and seeing objects that aren't present)

The most common negative side effects of oseltamivir can be described as:

• Nausea, vomiting;

• Headache

• Pain.

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present.

Consult your physician for medical advice about the consequences. It is possible to report any adverse symptoms to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088

.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Other drugs can interfere with oseltamivir. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, such as vitamins, medicines, or natural products. Discuss with your doctor all the medicines you are currently taking and any medications you begin or stop taking.