Drug name: Tamiflu
Active Ingredients:
- Oseltamivir phosphate
Therapeutic effects of Tamiflu: Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu) is classified under a new group of antiviral drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. As the flu virus takes over the body, it replicates new copies of itself to be spread from cell to cell. The said inhibitors put a stop to the spreading of virus copies carried by infected cells. Oseltamivir is a pro-drug that changes into its active form through metabolisation.
Indications: Tamiflu is administered to patients with influenza A and B (stomach flu, common cold or respiratory disease not caused by influenza virus).
Precautions and Restrictions: Physicians may only recommend half dosage to patients with kidney diseases. The efficiency of Tamiflu has not been proven for people with weakened immune system. This medication and its effects have not been tested on people with liver disease.
Tamiflu works specifically on the flu virus. With that, it does not stop bacterial infections that may have flu-like symptoms. The same goes for bacterial infections that could progress while you have flu. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Side effects of Tamiflu: This medicine is known to have possible side-effects that may affect users in various ways. However, every stated side effect may not affect all users who consume Tamiflu.
Below mentioned are rare side effects that may occur and it is not necessary to report these side effects to a doctor if you experience them:
- Abdominal pain
- Cough
- Impairment in spatial perception and stability (dizziness)
- Urge to vomit
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Cephalalgia
The following are some serious side effects that need reporting to a medical expert:
- Face or tongue swelling
- Breathing difficulty
- Dysphagia
- Itching
- Harsh, raspy, or strained voice
- Skin blisters, hives, and rashes
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. Read carefully the information provided with Tamiflu for other possible risks associated with the drug or consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions: Prior to using Tamiflu it is advisable to consult your physician and explain to him the treatments or medicines (it may be drugs that have not been prescribed by a doctor or herbal medicines) you are currently taking and also get a prescription from your doctor before starting any new drug. This is to make sure that the combination of the two drugs is safe.
While consulting your doctor do not forget to mention the following drugs that affect the immune system such as azathioprine - Imuran; cancer medications; sirolimus - Rapamune; methotrexate - Rheumatrex, cyclosporine - Neoral, Sandimmune oral steroids such as asmethylprednisolone - Medrol, dexamethasone - Decadron, Dexone, methylprednisolone - Medrol, and prednisone - Deltasone; or tacrolimus - Prograf, methotrexate - Rheumatrex.
Additional Information: It is strongly advisable not to share Tamiflu tablets or capsules with anyone else as each person's condition varies. Tamiflu must not be used for any other health condition. The medication, syringes and needles that may be used during the treatment must be kept out of the reach of children.
