What is Tamiflu used for?

Tamiflu is prescribed to those with the flu whose flu symptoms started within the last 2 days. Tamiflu is also prescribed to reduce the chance of getting the flu in people age 13 and older who have spent time with someone who has the flu. Tamiflu can also reduce the chance of getting the flu if there is a flu outbreak in the area.

Warnings for People taking Tamiflu:

Tamiflu’s safety and effectiveness have not been determined in people with chronic heart or lung disease, kidney failure, or in people with high-risk underlying medical conditions.

General Precautions to take when on Tamiflu:

• Tamiflu has not been shown to treat flu-like illnesses caused by any virus other than influenza A and B (e.g., stomach flu, common cold, or other respiratory illnesses not caused by influenza).
• Other kinds of infections can appear like influenza or occur along with influenza, and need different types of treatment. Contact your doctor if you feel worse or develop new symptoms during or after treatment, or if your influenza symptoms do not start to get better.
• Taking Tamiflu should not affect your decision to have an annual influenza vaccination.
• The safety and efficacy of repeated courses of treatment have not been established.

There are some things that you should tell your doctor when taking this medication:

Tell your doctor or doctor if you:

• are taking any other medications
• have any type of kidney disease
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or if you are currently breast feeding.

What side effects can you expect when taking Tamiflu? (This is only a partial list of side effects reported with Tamiflu. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of possible side effects and drug interactions..)

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bronchitis
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Headache

For more detailed information about Tamiflu, ask your doctor.