Uses of undefined

Oseltamivir Phosphate is used to treat Influenza A and B in patients two weeks of age and older who do not have symptoms for more than 2 days. It also prevents influenza type A and B in patients 1 year and older.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Oseltamivir Phosphate is a prescription drug available as an oral capsule and suspension. The dosage form, dose, and frequency of administration will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors. Take medicine as directed by your physician. Take it with or without food. The chances of stomach upset are less if you take this medicine with food. If you are prescribed a capsule, swallow the capsule as a whole with water. Do not break, chew or crush the capsule.

Oral suspension is prescribed when the patient cannot swallow the tablet form of this medicine. Shake the suspension well before every use. The recommended dose is based on the individual’s body weight. It is important to complete the whole course, even if you start to feel better quickly.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

This medication tends to cause severe allergic reactions. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to oseltamivir phosphate or any other ingredients in it. Report to your doctor if you note or suspect any allergic-like reactions. This medication may cause neuropsychiatric events such as confusion or abnormal behavior especially in the pediatric population. Regular monitoring of behavioral signs is necessary. This medication may not prevent any bacterial infection that co-exist with influenza.

Precautions

Inform your physician about all the prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, nasal flu vaccine, and herbal products that you are currently taking or have taken before.  Inform your physician if you have or ever had liver disease, fever or infection, kidney problems, heart problems, or kidney disorder before starting the treatment with this medicine. Notify your physician if you have any hereditary sugar intolerance. It is unsafe to take this medicine during breastfeeding. Inform your physician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.

Side Effects

Some common side effects of Oseltamivir Phosphate are nausea, vomiting, ear infection, headache, bronchitis and cough, dizziness, and sleeping difficulties. Serious side effects are stevens-johnson syndrome, swelling in the face and skin, itchy rashes, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, abnormal behavior and changes in mood, GI bleeding, abnormal or irregular heart beat, and inflammation of the liver. 

Word Of Advice

This medication is not a substitute for any flu vaccination. Inform your physician if you are experiencing any symptoms of swelling in the face, feet, hands, and abdomen, difficulty in breathing, sudden drop in blood pressure, abdominal pain, weakness, and skin rashes. Store the oral capsules at 25 °C. Shake the oral suspension before every use. Do not store the oral suspension above 30°C. After reconstitution, store below 25 °C for 10 days. If the oral suspension is refrigerated, it should be consumed within 17 days. 

Frequently Asked Question

• Can I take Oseltamivir Phosphate with kidney problems?
• Oseltamivir Phosphate dose adjustments are necessary for patients with severe kidney problems. Inform your physician if you have any kidney diseases before taking this medicine. 

• Can I stop taking Oseltamivir Phosphate if I feel better?
• Do not stop taking Oseltamivir Phosphate without consulting your doctor. Finish the course of therapy even if you feel better because completing the course will prevent you from further infection

• Can I take Oseltamivir Phosphate for a cold, sinus infection, or sore throat?
• Oseltamivir Phosphate is not indicated for the common cold, sinus infection, or sore throat. It is indicated for symptoms of influenza A and B viral infection.

• Can we give Oseltamivir Phosphate to children?
• Oseltamivir Phosphate treats influenza A and B symptoms in children, adults, and adolescents who have symptoms for no more than 2 days.

• Does Oseltamivir Phosphate come in a liquid as well as capsules?
• Yes, Oseltamivir Phosphate is available as a liquid (oral suspension) and as oral capsules of different doses. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the strength that is right for you.