What does Tamiflu treat?
Tamiflu enhances flu recovery. Administration of the drugs within the first days of the illnesses increases recovery by at least one day. It also suppresses the flu when treatment is started within a couple of days after getting infected. Tamiflu is categorized in a class of drugs known as neuraminidase inhibitors.
When the flu gets into the body, it starts multiplying and spreading to other cells. The neuraminidase inhibitors combat the virus through preventing duplication of more virus infected cells. Tamiflu is available in both capsule and liquid form.
Tamiflu essential facts
Although taking Tamiflu regularly can help to lower your vulnerability to flu infection, taking the yearly flu shot is still the best way to combat flu. The older adults working in the high risk areas such as heath-care and persons with preexisting respiratory and immune deficiency diseases should ensure to take vaccinations in addition to using Tamiflu.
How is Tamiflu taken?
For the best results, start taking Tamiflu within two days after onset of the initial symptoms or flu exposure. For those with the flu, they should continue taking the medication at least twice per day for at least 5 days even if you feel like you have recovered. For prevention against the flu, use Tamiflu at least once in a day for a week. Protection against flu is only available when you are taking Tamiflu.
In case your stomach does get upset by Tamiflu, it should be taken with food. The liquid suspension should be shaken well before use.
Missed dose
Take Tamiflu the moment you remember. Nevertheless, if the next dose is less than two hours away, ignore the missed dose and resume he regular dose schedule.
Storage advice
Tamiflu should be stored at room temperature. Ensure the blister package remains dry. The liquid suspension should be used within a period of 10 days. Although the medication can be refrigerated, it should not be dried.
What adverse effects may arise?
The side effects of Tamiflu are similar to those caused by flu. The following are some of the most common symptoms that were seen in patients taking the drug: bronchitis, abdominal pain, cough, asthma, fatigue, ear infection, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, insomnia, vertigo, nausea and nose bleeding.
Reasons for not prescribing Tamiflu
Causes allergic reaction in you.
Important Tamiflu precautions
For the patients with kidney disease, the doctor may opt to reduce the Tamiflu dose by half.
The efficiency of Tamiflu is not well known on people with weak immune systems. The effects of Tamiflu have not been studied for patients with liver disease.
The Tamiflu is only effective on flu virus but have no ability to combat bacterial infections that have symptoms similar o those of flu. Ensure to check with your doctor in case the symptoms do persist.
Tamiflu possible interactions with foods and drugs
The Tamiflu may react with fu shot (influenza vaccine). The efficiency of flu shot is insignificant when taking 14 days before or 48 hors after ingesting Tamiflu.
Precaution for breastfeeding and pregnant patients
It has not been established whether Tamiflu is safe in gestation period. Inform the health care provider if you are expectant or you are intending to become expectant. Tamiflu may be passed through breast milk to the nursing infant affecting it negatively. Avoid using the drug when breastfeeding.
Proposed Tamiflu dose
Adults and children above 13 years
Children (1-12 years)
Children under one year should not be treated flu using Tamiflu.
The efficiency of the drug to prevent flu infection among kids below 13 years has not been established.
Overdose
Excessive consumption of Tamiflu induces vomiting and nausea. In case you suspect occurrence of an overdose, acquire professional medical assistance immediately.
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