Oseltamivir suspension-oral

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

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, kidney function, and response to treatment. In children the dosage is also based on weight.This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too early may allow the virus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection or failure to protect you from the flu.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if new symptoms appear.

Nausea and vomiting may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.The liquid form of this medication may contain sorbitol. Sorbitol may cause upset stomach and diarrhea in people who have problems with certain sugars (fructose intolerance). Your doctor may need to order the capsule form of this medication if you cannot tolerate sorbitol.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.The flu itself or oseltamivir may rarely cause serious mental/mood changes. This may be more likely in children. Tell your doctor right away of any signs of unusual behavior, including: confusion, agitation, self-injury.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Refrigerate the suspension and throw away any unused portion 17 days after mixed by the pharmacy. Do not freeze. This medicine may be stored at room temperature but will expire sooner than when refrigerated. If stored at room temperature, throw away any unused portion 10 days after mixed. Check the bottle or ask your pharmacist to see how long you can store this medicine at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Reviewed on 4/16/2014 References