IMPORTANT NOTE The following information is
intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
TITLE OSELTAMIVIR - ORAL
HOW TO PRONOUNCE (oss-el-TAM-eh-veer)
USES This medication is used to treat illness (symptoms) caused
by the flu virus (influenza). Oseltamivir is also used to prevent
the flu (e.g., in household members exposed to a flu sufferer).
This medication should not be used in infants less than 1 year
of age. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
HOW TO TAKE Take this medication by mouth as
directed by your doctor. You may take this with food or milk to
minimize stomach upset. Take it as soon as flu symptoms appear
or as soon as possible after you have been exposed (both within
48 hours). If you have the flu: Take oseltamivir twice a day for
5 days; once in the morning and once in the evening. Complete
the entire treatment of 10 doses. To prevent the flu: Take oseltamivir
once a day for at least 7 days or take it exactly as prescribed
by your doctor. This medication works best when the amount of
medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore,
take this drug at the same time(s) each day. Take this medication
until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms
improve. Stopping the medication too early may result in a relapse
of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens
or if new symptoms appear.
SIDE EFFECTS Nausea may occur. If this effect persists or worsens,
notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you
have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: dizziness,
persistent cough. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any
of these very unlikely but serious side effects: persistent weakness,
fever, sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS Tell your doctor your medical history, including:
allergies, kidney problems. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy;
use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as
driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this
drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center at or emergency room immediately.
NOTES Do not share this medication with others. Consult your doctor
about the risks and important benefits of receiving a yearly flu
shot (vaccination) to prevent infection.
MISSED DOSE If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose (within two hours), skip
the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE Store at room temperature between
59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.