{"id":353374,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/tamiflu.html"},"modified":"2025-10-15T12:49:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T17:49:00","slug":"tamiflu","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/tamiflu.html","title":{"rendered":"Tamiflu: Legal Information and Lawsuits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tamiflu: Legal Information and Lawsuits<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Tamiflu has faced legal scrutiny due to reports of neuropsychiatric side effects, including self-injury and confusion, particularly in children. Although the FDA updated Tamiflu\u2019s labeling to reflect these risks, questions remain about the adequacy of warnings and the transparency of supporting clinical data.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tamiflu<\/span> (oseltamivir<\/span> phosphate<\/span>) is an antiviral<\/span> drug<\/span> to treat the flu in adults, teens, and children over one. Patients should take Tamiflu<\/span> within 48 hours of noticing flu symptoms<\/span>.<\/p>\n

People also take Tamiflu<\/span> after being in close contact with someone who has the flu. It\u2019s also helpful to take this medication during a flu outbreak. This decreases the risk of getting the flu virus. This medication can also treat and prevent bird flu or avian influenza<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The U.S. <\/span>Food and Drug Administration<\/span> (FDA<\/span>) approved Tamiflu<\/span> in 1999<\/a>. The manufacturer of Tamiflu<\/span> is\u00a0Roche Laboratories, Inc<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ll provide an overview of Tamiflu<\/span>, including its side effects<\/span> and potential health risks.<\/p>\n

However, concerns about the drug\u2019s health risks and side effects<\/span> have prompted FDA<\/span> action and product liability litigation. This article discusses recent news, research, and lawsuits involving Tamiflu<\/span>. You\u2019ll also learn what to do if you become sick after taking this medication.<\/p>\n

A local attorney<\/a> can offer targeted legal advice and explain your legal options. If you have a valid legal claim against Roche Labs or another drug company<\/span>, your attorney will be your fiercest advocate for fair compensation.<\/p>\n

What Is Tamiflu<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Tamiflu<\/span> (oseltamivir<\/span>) is an antiviral<\/span> medication that prevents the influenza virus. It\u2019s generally safe for adults and children over the age of 12. Genentech, Inc. and Roche Labs manufacture and sell Tamiflu<\/span>. People worried about catching influenza A or B can take this drug to prevent illness.<\/p>\n

Technically, Tamiflu<\/span> is an antiviral<\/span> medication and prophylaxis drug. It\u2019s a neuraminidase inhibitor<\/a> (NAI) and inhibits the actions of both types of flu. People with the virus can take the drug to help relieve their flu-like symptoms. The medication can also be beneficial in treating influenza.<\/p>\n

Tamiflu<\/span> is available in oral suspension (liquid). You can also choose to take Tamiflu<\/span> capsules.<\/p>\n

Can You Get Tamiflu<\/span> Over the Counter?<\/h2>\n

No. According to the\u00a0Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(CDC<\/span>), Tamiflu<\/span> is only available with a prescription. But in 2019,\u00a0Sanofi<\/a>\u00a0signed a deal with Genentech, a subsidiary of the Roche Group, to market an over-the-counter (OTC) version.<\/p>\n

But before that happens, Sanofi must conduct clinical studies<\/span> to determine the safety of an OTC version of Tamiflu<\/span>. The FDA<\/span> will want to see if the OTC drug has severe side effects<\/span>. They\u2019ll also want to know if Tamiflu<\/span> works as an OTC medication.<\/p>\n

Reducing the Spread of the Flu<\/h2>\n

Tamiflu<\/span> is taken for flu prevention. But even if you take Tamiflu<\/span>, you must avoid unnecessary exposure to influenza by taking certain precautions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Contact your healthcare<\/span> professional if you develop new symptoms or if your influenza symptoms don\u2019t improve after taking Tamiflu<\/span>. 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<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Other precautions to take include the following:<\/p>\n