This article is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or use the medication guide.

Oseltamivir Information

What is Oseltamivir?

Oseltamivir phosphate is an antiviral generic medication. It is used to lessen the severity of the symptoms of the flu virus (influenza) in patients aged 2 weeks and older and who have showed flu symptoms for at most 48 hours.

This FDA-approved prescription-only drug treats symptoms, such as fever, chills, stuffy nose, fatigue, and headache. Oseltamivir for flu also speeds up the recovery period by a day or two.

In addition, if an individual has been exposed to influenza (for instance, being in close contact with a person with the flu), Oseltamivir (Tamiflu Generic) will help prevent them from falling sick.

Oseltamivir brand name

• Tamiflu

Oseltamivir Forms and Strengths

You’ll find Oseltamivir in these forms and strengths;

• Capsules- 30 mg, 45 mg, and 75 mg

• Oral suspension- 30 mg/5ml

Proper Use

As with any other prescription drug, the proper way of using Oseltamivir phosphate is to follow your doctor’s recommendations. For adults, the doctor will determine the right dosage based on the patient’s overall medical condition. When prescribing Oseltamivir to kids, the doctor will put their weight into consideration as well.

All in all, Oseltamivir works best if you start taking it 2 days after exposure to influenza or as soon as the first symptoms of the flu start showing up.

For flu treatment, you should take Oseltamivir phosphate twice a day for up to 5 days. On the other hand, if you’re taking Oseltamivir to prevent the flu, you should take it once a day for 10 days. Remember to follow your doctor’s directions on the dosage and the length of time that you should take the drug.

You can take Oseltamivir before food or after eating if you get stomach upsets. Importantly, be sure to take the medicine at around the same time every day. This helps in maintaining a constant amount of the drug in your system at all times, thereby increasing its effectiveness.

Oseltamivir Dose

Adults

Adults should take Oseltamivir 75 mg capsules according to the doctor’s prescription, usually:

• 1 capsule every day for 10 days for prevention
• 2 Oseltamivir phosphate capsules usp 75 mg every day for 5 days for treatment of influenza
• In a community outbreak, therapy should be continued for up to 6 weeks. However, in immunocompromised individuals, the dosage should go for up to 12 weeks or as long as the doctor directs.

Infants and toddlers

For babies between 2 weeks and 12 months of age

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu generic) should be administered orally in doses of 3 mg/kg twice a day.

Kids 1-12 years Up to 15 kg

• 30 mg, twice every day

Between 15.1 and 23 kgs

• 45 mg, twice a day

Between 23.1 and 40 kg

• 60 mg, twice each day

Above 40 kgs

• 75 mg, twice every day

Above 12 years

• 75 mg, twice every day

Missed dose

Never double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you take your medicine once every day in the morning, take it as soon as you remember during the day. If you take it once every day in the evening, you can take the missed dose before bedtime. However, if you remember this late into the night, ensure that you take it first thing in the morning, or at least 8 hours before your next evening dose.

What if you take it twice every day?

In that case, you can take the missed dose as long as you’ve missed it by utmost 4. For instance, if you take your dose every day at 6 AM, you can take the missed dose anywhere up to 10 AM.

What is Oseltamivir used for?

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu generic) is used to make the symptoms of the flu virus (influenza) less severe. These symptoms include fever, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, tiredness, and aches. It also speeds up the recovery time by 1-2 days. Oseltamavir uses also include preventing the flu after you’ve been exposed to the virus.

Before using

Before taking any type of medicine, a rule of thumb is to weigh its benefits against any problems that it may cause. For instance, does it cause allergies? What are its side effects? Here’s what you need to understand before using Oseltamivir phosphate.

Allergies

It’s rare for Oseltamivir (Tamiflu generic) to cause allergies. However, it’s critical that you explain to your doctor if you have allergic reactions to any other prescription drugs, food, or dyes.

Oseltamivir interactions

Certain medicines are known to interact when co-administered with others. In that case, your healthcare professional may opt to adjust the dose and timing to prevent any adverse reactions. So, open up to your doctor about any other drugs that you’re still taking. All in all, Oseltamivir phosphate does not interact with amoxicillin, warfarin, aspirin, acetaminophen, cimetidine, rimantadine, and amantadine. Also, it can be administered alongside most antacids, including calcium carbonates and magnesium and aluminum hydroxides.

Oseltamivir and alcohol

Studies show that alcohol and Oseltamivir don’t interact. This medication is safe for use by people with alcohol-use disorders. However, drinking alcohol while on an Oseltamivir dosage is not recommendable as it can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can worsen Oseltamivir side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Special conditions

Oseltamivir Pregnancy: it’s safe to use Oseltamivir phosphate to treat or prevent the flu during pregnancy. Research shows that there is no high risk of miscarriage when using this drug. However, it’s recommendable to take it only when needed and after consulting your doctor. Pediatric: Oseltamivir phosphate has not yet been approved for treating the flu in babies less than 2 weeks of age. Also, it’s not recommended for preventing the flu for patients under 1 year of age.

Oseltamivir Warnings

When you decide to take Oseltamivir tamiflu:

Explain to your doctor or pharmacist about any other prescription and non-prescription drugs that you’re using. Let the healthcare professional know whether you’re allergic to the drug or other antiviral medications. This way, the doctor will be able to access the risk of developing an allergic reaction to any of the inactive ingredients in the drug. Be open to your doctor regarding your medical history, including kidney disease.

Oseltamivir Phosphate Side effects

The common side effects of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu generic) are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Nosebleed
• Coughing
• Insomnia (sleep problems)
• Bloodshot eye

Proper Storage of Oseltamivir generic

Liquid Oseltamivir should stay refrigerated but capsules are safe at room temperature. Ensure that they are exposed to excess heat or moisture, though. So, don’t store them in the bathroom. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you can keep the medicine in either form.

Oseltamivir Price

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir brand name) sells at a premium price. That’s why most people will want to consider the generic version as it’s relatively cheaper, especially with the best Oseltamivir coupon. The best price of Oseltamivir varies from one seller to the other. However, it’s commonly in the range of $123-135 for a prescription of 10 Oseltamivir 75 mg dose without an Oseltamivir coupon or discount.

With an Oseltamivir coupon, it’s possible to get the drug at almost a third of its average cash price. For instance, since January to May 2020, Oseltamivir phosphate cost has been in the range of $123.32 to $ 123.71. However, the coupon price of the drug has been between $43 and $46.

Oseltamivir Mechanism of action

Oseltamivir phosphate inhibits the performance of the neuraminidase enzyme of the influenza virus. Neuraminidase enzymes are found on the surface of the virion, and enable the virus to penetrate uninfected cells. Also, the activity of these enzymes is important in the release of virus from the infected cells for further spreading around the body. By inhibiting their activity, Oseltamivir reduces viral shedding and further spread of influenza.

Peramivir vs Oseltamivir

Peramivir is an intravenous (injection) medication used in the treatment of influenza in adults and children 2 years old and above. Oseltamivir is indicated for the flu, too, but it’s administered orally.

A study comparing the efficacy of Oseltamivir and Peramivir found that Peramivir may help in alleviating flu-related fever faster than oral Oseltamivir. However, the researchers didn’t draw conclusions due to methodological limitations.

Yet another study sought to understand the efficacy of Peramivir-Oseltamivir combination vs Oseltamivir monotherapy. The results showed that combining Peramivir and Oseltamivir does not make the therapy superior than using Oseltamivir alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oseltamivir phosphate the same as Tamiflu?

Yes. Oral Oseltamivir and Tamiflu are the same drug. Both of these medications are used to manage the symptoms of the flu. Oseltamivir side effects are similar to those of Tamiflu too. The difference between them is that Oseltamivir is the generic version of Tamiflu. Also, Oseltamivir cost is considerably lower than that of Tamiflu.

Is Oseltamivir phosphate an antibiotic?

No. Oseltamaivir (Tamiflu generic) is an antivirus used to treat the flu caused by the influenza virus. An antivirus medication is used to treat symptoms caused by viruses, whereas an antibiotic fights bacteria.

Can you get Oseltamivir over the counter?

Currently, you can buy Oseltamivir tamiflu only if you have a prescription from a doctor. However, plans are underway to have Oseltamivir otc in the coming months. In July 2019, Sanofi S.A, a French multinational pharmaceutical company, obtained exclusive rights from ROCHE Pharmaceuticals to sell Oseltamivir over the counter in the USA.

How long does it take Oseltamivir to work?

When you take an Oseltamivir phosphate dosage, its active ingredient (Oseltamivir carboxylate) is detectable in the blood within 30 minutes and its concentration peaks in 3-4 hours. However, this medication is most effective if you take it within 48 hours after the symptoms appear.

Does Oseltamivir phosphate reduce fever?

Oseltamivir for flu works by attacking influenza type A and B virus. Also, it reduces the symptoms of the flu, including fever, cough, aches, pain, and chills.

Can Oseltamivir make you sleepy?

Side effects of Oseltamivir phosphate 30 mg include dizziness, nausea,and headache. But there are no reports of it causing sleepiness.

Can you take Tylenol with Oseltamivir?

No interaction has been found between Oseltamivir active ingredients and Tylenol (acetaminophen). There are no reports of adverse side effects after combining these drugs. This does not necessarily mean that it’s safe to take Acetaminophen with Oseltamivir together. Consult your doctor first before combining these doses.

Can you take Oseltamivir with Nyquil?

There is no known interaction between Nyquil and Oseltamivir ingredients. These medications are considered safe to take together.

Can you take Ibuprofen with Oseltamivir phosphate

Yes. You can take Oseltamivir with Ibuprofen as there are no known interactions between them. It’s critical to consult your doctor first.