Tamiflu (generic name: oseltamivir; brand names include: Antiflu) is an antiviral medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. These medicines attack the influenza virus and prevent it from spreading inside your body.

Tamiflu is the #1 anti-flu medicine for flu treatment.

Tamiflu is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza (flu) in adults and children 1 year or older. Tamiflu is effective for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. It also works against the bird flu virus H5N1 strain and has proved to be very effective.

Tamiflu is being tested for the treatment of the new coronavirus COVID-19.

Recommendations

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. Take Tamiflu exactly as directed.

Tamiflu can be taken with or without food. However, you may find Tamiflu is easier on your stomach if taken with food.

Treatment of the flu:

Start taking Tamiflu as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed with the flu. The earlier you start treatment with Tamiflu, the shorter the duration of your flu.

Adults and adolescents (13 years or older):

The usual dose is one Tamiflu 75 mg capsule twice a day for five days.

Prevention of the flu:

Adults and adolescents (13 years or older):

The usual dose is one Tamiflu 75 mg capsule once a day for 10 days following close contact with someone who has the flu. You should start taking Tamiflu within 2 days of the close contact.

When there is an outbreak of the flu in the community one Tamiflu 75 mg capsule can be taken once a day while protection is required. Tamiflu has been shown to be safe and effective when taken for up to six weeks.

Your doctor will tell you how many Tamiflu capsules should be given to children 1 year of age or older. Do not give Tamiflu to children under 1 year of age.

Tamiflu should be started as soon as possible; within the first two days of the onset of the first symptoms of the flu or exposure to someone with the flu. Continue taking Tamiflu until your doctor tells you to stop or your course of treatment is complete.

If you have kidney disease your doctor may prescribe you a lower dose of Tamiflu. There is a special dosing schedule, as follows, for this group:

Flu Treatment Dosage: one 75 mg capsule, once daily for 5 days
Flu Prevention Dosage: one 75 mg capsule every other day or 30 mg dose once daily

Precautions

Before taking Tamiflu, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, respiratory disease, or other serious health conditions. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications or if you have received nasally administered influenza virus vaccine during the past two weeks.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: oseltamivir.