Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) 75mg Capsules over the Counter

What Is Oseltamivir Phosphate?

Tamiflu is an oral antiviral medication used in the treatment of influenza (the so-called “flu”). It can also be used to prevent the disease during seasonal flu outbreaks or after the contact with an infected person. However, it’s important to understand that taking Tamiflu is not an alternative to getting vaccinated against flu.

There are four types of the flu virus and Tamiflu is effective against 2 of them – namely, type A and B. Since H1N1 swine flu is a subtype of type A influenza virus it can also be treated with Tamiflu.

Tamiflu can be prescribed to adults, children and infants over 2 weeks of age. If you’re already experiencing any of the common flu symptoms, including sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, fever and/or cough, it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Tamiflu is most effective when taken shortly after the symptom onset – and, preferably, within 2 days of getting infected.

Oseltamivir phosphate, the main active ingredient in Tamiflu, is a neuraminidase inhibitor that works by binding to the protein neuraminidase and interfering with the replication of the virus. Thus, treatment with Tamiflu reduces the duration of the disease and helps alleviate some of its symptoms.

Tamiflu was discovered by Gilead Sciences in 1995 and is currently being produced by F. Hoffmann-La Roche, a pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland. Tamiflu is available as capsules and as a powder used to prepare oral suspension. The capsules are available in 3 strengths: 30 mg, 45 mg, and 75 mg. The 30 mg capsules are light yellow in color, the 45 mg capsules are grey and the 75 mg capsules, in their turn, have a grey body with a light-yellow cap. All three forms have the word “Roche” as well as their respective strength printed on them. The powder form has the strength of 6 mg/mL.

When using Tamiflu to treat a flu infection, both adults and children over 12 years of age are recommended to take one 75mg capsule twice a day for 5 days. The dose may be reduced in case the patient suffers from any concomitant health conditions, such as renal impairment, or is under 12 years of age.

When using Tamiflu to prevent a flu infection, the patients are recommended to take the same dose but only once a day.

Tamiflu can cause stomach upset, so taking it with food or washing it down with a glass of milk may help to alleviate the unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.

Oseltamivir Side Effects

The most common side effects that patients may experience after taking Tamiflu include:

• Headaches
• Loose stools and/or diarrhea
• Stomach upset
• Nausea/vomiting

More serious side effects of Tamiflu are very rare. These may include:

• Tremors
• Hallucinations
• Feeling confused
• Abnormal behavior

In the rare event of an allergic reaction to Tamiflu, seek emergency medical help. The allergic reaction may manifest itself with itching or swelling of the face, throat or tongue, hives or skin rashes, and/or labored breathing.