Oseltamivir is used to treat flu, an infection caused by a virus called influenza virus.
This medicine is also used to prevent you from getting the flu during an outbreak in your community or if you have come into close contact with someone who has flu symptoms.
Take Oseltamivir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. To reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause, you may take this medicine with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Oseltamivir is available as a capsule and powder for oral suspension.
If you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole with water. Do not chew or crush the capsule.
If you are taking the powder for oral suspension, shake the bottle well before taking the medicine to ensure the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule or the oral suspension is not available, you may open the capsule and mix the contents with sweetened food products such as chocolate syrup, corn syrup, caramel topping, or light brown sugar dissolved in water.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and your response to the medication.
Take Oseltamivir at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is less than 2 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Oseltamivir if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- long-term heart disease
- long-term lung disease
- weak immune system
- any severe or unstable medical condition that may need hospitalisation
- severe liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Oseltamivir is not a substitute for your yearly flu vaccination. Your doctor will inform you if you need to be vaccinated against the flu.
This medicine does not prevent you from spreading your flu to others. Try to limit contact with others while you are sick, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water to avoid spreading the flu to others.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Oseltamivir may cause any of the following side effects: dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, tiredness, limb pain, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, throat, or lips
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- having thoughts/attempts of self-harm
- confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent)
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-coloured urine, swelling in the legs and ankles
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccination a with live flu vaccine within 2 weeks or 48 hours after taking this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
- chlorpropamide (medicine for diabetes)
- methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
- phenylbutazone (NSAID or medicine for pain and inflammation)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Oseltamivir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
The oral suspension can be stored at room temperature not exceeding 25°C after you have mixed the powder with water. However, if the room temperature is more than 25°C, keep it in the fridge between 2-8°C. Do not freeze it otherwise, it will become less effective. Throw away unused portions after 10 days if stored below 25°C and after 17 days if refrigerated.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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