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Drug

Oseltamivir

Pronounced

"oss-el-TAM-eh-veer"

Uses

Oseltamivir is used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus (influenza). It helps make the symptoms (such as stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, aches, tiredness) less severe and shortens the recovery time by 1-2 days.

This medication may also be used to prevent the flu if you have been exposed to someone who already has the flu (such as a sick household member) or if there is a flu outbreak in the community. Talk to your doctor for more details.

This medication works by stopping the flu virus from growing. It is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. (See also Notes section.)

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medicine. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food. You may take it with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take this medication as soon as flu symptoms appear or as soon as possible after you have been exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir works best if you start taking it within 2 days of either of these events.

Shake the bottle well before each dose. Your pharmacist will provide you with an oral dosing dispenser. Measure each dose carefully using the device as instructed. Be careful not to confuse the dose of oseltamivir in milligrams (mg) with the dose in milliliters (ml). Your pharmacist should show you exactly how much medication to use for each dose. Give the dose directly in the mouth. Do not mix with other liquids. After each use, rinse the dispenser with tap water and let it air dry. If you lose or damage the dosing dispenser, consult your pharmacist on what oral syringe you should use instead, and how to correctly measure the dose.

If you have the flu, take oseltamivir as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day for 5 days.

To prevent the flu, take oseltamivir as directed by your doctor, usually once a day for at least 10 days. Follow your doctor's instructions for how long to take this medicine.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.

For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection or failure to protect you from the flu.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse or if new symptoms appear.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.