Brand Names

How to Use

Talk to your family doctor about the possibility of getting a flu shot if you have not had one yet. Patient information about oseltamivir is available. Read this information carefully.

For diseaseds taking oseltamivir for treat of the flu: This drug works best if taken within 2 days of having flu symptoms - weakness, headache, fever, cough and sore throat. Oseltamivir capsules may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. Taking oseltamivir with food may lessen the possibility of stomach upset. This drug must be taken for 5 days Continue taking this drug for the full time of treat even if you begin to feel better after a few days. This will help to clear up your infection completely. If you stop taking this drug too soon, your symptoms may return.

For diseaseds taking oseltamivir for prevention of the flu after exposure: The drug must be taken within 2 days of being exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir capsules may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. Taking oseltamivir with food may lessen the possibility of stomach upset. This drug must be taken for at least 7 days.

For diseaseds taking the oral suspension form of this drug:

• This drug is to be taken only by mouth. Use the specially marked measuring device that is given to you with the drug to measure each dose accurately. The average household spoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
• Do not use after the expiration date on the label. The drug may not work properly after that date. If you have any questions about this, check with your pharmacist.

Dosage

• For oral dosage forms - capsules and oral suspension:
  • For treat of the flu:
    • Adults: 75 milligrams - mg two times a day for five days.
    • Children 1 year of age or older: Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your family doctor. It is usually between 30 and 75 mg two times a day for five days.
    • Children up to 1 year of age: Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For prevention of the flu:
    • Adults and teenagers 13 years of age or older: 75 mg once a day for at least seven days.
    • Children up to 13 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose This drug works best when there is a constant amount in the body. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose, take as soon as possible, except if it is near the next dose - within 2 hours. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you have missed few doses, inform your family doctor and follow the advice given to you.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store the capsules in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
• Store the oral suspension at room temperature or in the refrigerator. However, keep the drug from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.