Tamiflu

Tamiflu is prescribed for treating flu symptoms, which are caused by influenza virus. The drug is also administered to persons who do not yet have the symptoms but has been exposed to the influenza.

Tamiflu is an antiviral medication and it works by stopping the reproduction of influenza virus types A and B.

You should strictly follow your doctor's direction while using Tamiflu. Never go for larger amounts of the drug or less or for longer periods. Tamiflu can be taken in empty stomach and also with food. The drug can also be taken with milk to prevent any stomach upset. The treatment with Tami flu should have to be started as soon as you come across the symptoms of the influenza.

The doctors prescribe Tamiflu every 12 hours for five days for treating flu symptoms. For preventing flu symptoms, the drug will be prescribed every 24 hours for ten days. Once your doctor prescribes the drug, you should have to complete the dosage. You should not stop tamiflu even if you begin to feel better.

The missed dose can be taken as you remember it. But if it is only two hours for the next dosage, do not go for the missed one. Never compensate for the missed doses as it can do more harm. Moreover, if you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor without any delay. Vomiting and nausea are some of the symptoms of tamiflu overdose.

Well, before your doctor administers Tamiflu, you should tell him about all your health conditions. You should never hide form the doctor if you have any kidney, liver or heart diseases. Never forget to tell your doctor if you have taken a nasal flu vaccine in less than two weeks.

Tamiflu is FDA pregnancy category C. Pregnant women and those who hope to conceive should have to avoid the drug as it can cause harm to the foetus. If you are breast-feeding, it is also better to discuss with your doctor about all the risks involved with drug.

Certain drugs can interact with tamiflu and so you should have to tell your physician about all the medicines, including prescription/non-prescription drugs, herbal medicines, diet supplements, vitamins and minerals that you are taking.

When using tamiflu, you may also come across serious allergic reactions like difficulty breathing, rashes and swelling (face, tongue, lips, throat). If you come across such allergies, stop the drug and seek immediate medical attention. In some rare cases, especially in children, certain side effects like sudden confusion, hallucinations, delirium, unusual behaviour and self-injury are seen. But it is not yet known if these side effects are due to tamiflu. But if you come across such symptoms, stop the drug and call your doctor without any delay.

Some of the lesser-known side effects that come with tamiflu include vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, bleeding of nose, redness in eye, sleeping problems and cough.

The drug should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Tamiflu can be stored in the refrigerator but it should not be allowed to freeze.