Tamiflu

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug to treat the flu in adults, teens, and children over one year of age. Its technical name is oseltamivir phosphate. Patients take Tamiflu within 48 hours of noticing their flu symptoms.

People also take Tamiflu after being in close contact with someone who has the flu. It's also helpful to take this medication during a flu outbreak. This decreases the risk of getting the flu virus.

Tamiflu is available in oral suspension (liquid). You can also choose to take Tamiflu capsules.

This medication can also treat and prevent bird flu or avian influenza. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tamiflu in 1999. The manufacturer of Tamiflu is Roche Laboratories, Inc.

Here, we'll provide an overview of Tamiflu, including its side effects and potential health risks.

Can You Get Tamiflu Over the Counter?

No. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tamiflu is only available with a prescription. But in 2019, Sanofi signed a deal with Genentech, a subsidiary of the Roche Group, to market an over-the-counter (OTC) version.

But before that happens, Sanofi must conduct clinical studies to determine the safety of an OTC version of Tamiflu. The FDA will want to see if the OTC drug has severe side effects. They'll also want to know if Tamiflu works as an OTC medication.

General Precautions To Take With Tamiflu and for the Flu Season

Tamiflu is taken for flu prevention. Tamiflu does help prevent the flu. But even if you take Tamiflu, you must avoid unnecessary exposure to influenza by taking certain precautions.

Reducing the Spread of the Flu

Contact your healthcare professional if you develop new symptoms or if your influenza symptoms don't improve after taking Tamiflu. Some infections can occur with influenza and will require treatment. Ask your doctor if you should get the flu vaccine. The influenza vaccine is a great way to stay healthy during flu season.

Other precautions to take include the following:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes
• Avoid sharing silverware and drinks during the flu season
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick to avoid infecting others

Tamiflu may not be enough to prevent hospitalization for people with a weakened immune system. Stay in contact with your healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen. The same applies to pregnant women and patients with a higher risk of contracting influenza.

What Should I Know Before Taking Tamiflu?

Researchers haven't assessed Tamiflu's safety and effectiveness in people with:

• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic lung disease
• Kidney failure
• Underlying high-risk medical conditions

Tamiflu does not help prevent flu-like illnesses caused by viruses other than influenza A and B.

Other infections similar to influenza require different types of treatment. Experts do not recommend Tamiflu for pediatric patients less than one year of age.

What Should I Tell My Doctor Before They Prescribe Tamiflu?

Before you take Tamiflu, talk to your healthcare professional. They need specific information to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction to the medication.

Specifically, inform your doctor of the following if you:

• Are allergic to Tamiflu or any of its ingredients
• Are allergic to any other medications or substances
• Take (plan to take) any other prescription and nonprescription medications
• Take vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products
• Have taken Tamiflu before
• Are immunocompromised (have HIV or AIDS)
• Take immunosuppressant medications, cancer chemotherapy medications, methotrexate, sirolimus, oral steroids, or tacrolimus
• Have heart, lung, or kidney disease
• Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding

This information will help prevent any adverse drug interactions.

Will Taking Tamiflu Prevent Me From Spreading the Flu?

Taking Tamiflu can reduce your chances of getting the flu, but it will not stop you from giving it to others. To prevent the spread of the flu, wash your hands frequently and avoid situations such as sharing cups and utensils.

Should I Still Get the Flu Vaccine?

Yes. Tamiflu does not replace the flu vaccine. You should continue to receive your annual flu shot if recommended by your healthcare professional.

Tamiflu's Side Effects

As with other medications, Tamiflu carries several adverse side effects. Some of the most common side effects of taking this medication include:

• Skin rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Trouble breathing

Another serious side effect of Tamiflu is thoughts of self-harm. People taking this antiviral medication are at an increased risk of experiencing a risk of self-injury.

Tamiflu and the Risk of Self-Injury

In November of 2006, Roche Laboratories and the FDA notified healthcare providers and patients of revisions to the information about Tamiflu provided to patients. The FDA and drugmaker changed the "Precautions/Neuropsychiatric Events and Patient Information" sections of the prescribing information.

The FDA suggested these changes after reports of self-injury and delirium allegedly caused by Tamiflu use. The FDA stated that there isn't sufficient evidence showing that Tamiflu causes self-injury or hallucinations. But the drug manufacturer, Genentech, advised parents to beware of abnormal behavior in children and adolescents taking the drug.

People, especially children, who already have influenza may be at risk of self-injury and confusion soon after taking Tamiflu. Parents should monitor young people taking Tamiflu for signs of confusion, self-harm, and other unusual behavior.

Many parents still worry about this side effect of Tamiflu. In 2018, a 16-year-old boy in Indiana allegedly killed himself after taking Tamiflu. His parents said he had no suicidal tendencies before taking the drug.

What To Do if You Become Sick After Taking Tamiflu

If you or a loved one experiences dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while using Tamiflu, contact your doctor. Meeting with an experienced product liability attorney to discuss your options and to protect your rights is wise.

Your attorney can help determine if you have a legal claim against your doctor or the manufacturer of Tamiflu.