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| Pronunciation |
|
 (o
sel TAM e
veer) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Tamiflu™ |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Neuraminidase Inhibitor |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to oseltamivir or any other part of the
medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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|
- This medicine is used to treat the flu. It shortens the length of
symptoms by about 1 day. It is for adults and children older than 1 year of age.
Oseltamivir must be started within 2 days of the start of flu symptoms (fever,
cough, headache, feeling tired, muscular weakness, sore throat). It does not
treat the common cold.
- It can be used to prevent the flu in patients 13 years of age and
older.
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|
| How does it work? |
|
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- Oseltamivir prevents the flu from spreading inside the body. You
already have the flu, but this medicine attacks the flu
virus.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
- Begin medicine as soon as possible. Start as soon as you get it.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- Medicine must be taken exactly as directed for the greatest benefit.
- Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by
healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
- A liquid (suspension) is available for children and patients who can
not swallow capsules. Shake well first. Use the oral syringe provided with
medicine.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose (within 2 hours), skip the
missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with
healthcare provider.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- This medicine is not to be taken in place of the flu shot. If
healthcare provider has recommended the flu shot then you need to get it.
- Use caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Do not use if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control
that you can trust while taking this medicine.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Children may have belly pain.
- If using to prevent the flu, may have headache and feel
tired.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- If you have the flu, improvement in symptoms. Are they better, worse,
or about the same?
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe nausea or vomiting.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse after 3-4
days.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
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- Store capsules in a tight container at room temperature. Protect from
moisture.
- Store liquid suspension at room temperature or in refrigerator. Use in
10 days. Throw away any that is
left.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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