Tamiflu
What is Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is an anti-viral drug, which is available only after obtaining a valid prescription from a doctor. Doctors prescribe it to patients for treatment of flu or to people who have been in contact with an infected individual for prevention of flu. Tamiflu is also recommended for treating bird flu infection among humans.
Roche Pharmaceuticals manufactures Tamiflu and markets it in many countries worldwide. It is available for use in the UK. European Union and the FDA have approved Tamiflu for sale in many European countries and the US respectively. World Health Organization has recommended the use of Tamiflu worldwide to treat and prevent the spread of bird flu infection in eventuality of any influenza pandemic.
How does Tamiflu work?
Tamiflu acts as a neuraminidase inhibitor in the body and contains oseltamivir, as active ingredient. It attacks the influenza virus and prevents it from spreading inside the body. Tamiflu works against both influenza viruses A and B. Tamiflu works by binding to the neuraminidase found on the surface of the virus particles and stopping it from working. When the neuraminidase is blocked, the newly formed viral particles cannot be released from the infected cells. This prevents the flu virus from spreading and infecting other cells. Tamiflu confines the infection to a smaller area. This makes the symptoms of the infection less severe and makes it is easier for the immune system to kill the virus.
What dosages of Tamiflu are available?
Tamiflu is available in capsule form for adults. The standard dosage of Tamiflu is 75mg capsule taken whole with a glass of water or as per doctor’s recommendation.
What are the contraindications for Tamiflu?
· Tamiflu should not be taken with other prescription or over-the-counter drugs
· The patient should inform the doctor if some drugs are prescribed for treating other medical condition
· Before starting a new medication when on Tamiflu, patient should inform the doctor
· Pregnant women or breastfeeding women should avoid intake of Tamiflu for treating influenza infection
What are the side effects of Tamiflu?
Mild side effects of Tamiflu include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, nose bleeding, insomnia, cough or other respiratory problems. Some patients may also suffer from allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat in these instances a the help of a doctor should be sought.
What are the precautions for Tamiflu?
- Patients who are allergic to ingredients of Tamiflu should avoid taking this anti-viral drug
- Patients who have HIV or AIDS should inform the doctor before taking Tamiflu
- Patients with health problems such as heart, lung, or kidney diseases should not take Tamiflu and inform the doctor if they plan to take it
- Those patients who take immunosuppressant medicines, cancer chemotherapy medicines, sirolimus, oral steroids, or tacrolimus should inform the doctor before taking Tamiflu
- Your doctor should be informed if the patient has already taken Tamiflu medication for treating flu infection in the past
Brief description
Tamiflu is manufactured by Roche. It is a prescription pill and can be taken for treatment as well as prevention of influenza. Tamiflu is effective against virus type A and B and also against H5N1 virus (bird flu virus). The active ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir. It is necessary to tell the doctor about all the medical conditions and medications you are taking before obtaining prescription for Tamiflu. Some of the side effects of Tamiflu are headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.