Oseltamivir Phosphate capsule

What is this medicine?

OSELTAMIVIR is an antiviral medication that blocks the actions of influenza virus types A and B in your body. It is used to prevent and to treat some kinds of influenza or the flu.  It will not treat the common cold.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• heart disease
• immune system problems
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to oseltamivir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Start taking it at the first sign of flu symptoms.  If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. To clear up your infection completely, take the medicine for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

To treat flu symptoms: take oseltamivir every 12 hours for 5 days.

To prevent flu symptoms: take oseltamivir every 24 hours for 10 days or as prescribed. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not use a nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within 48 hours after taking oseltamivir.

Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If you have the flu, you may be at an increased risk of developing seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior. This occurs early in the illness, and more frequently in children and teens. These events are not common, but may result in accidental injury to the patient. Families and caregivers of patients should watch for signs of unusual behavior and contact a doctor or health care professional right away if the patient shows signs of unusual behavior.

This medicine is not a substitute for the flu shot. Talk to your doctor each year about an annual flu shot.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• anxiety, confusion, unusual behavior
• breathing problems
• hallucination, loss of contact with reality
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.