Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) 75 mg 10 caps Roche

Information about the drug

Tamiflu is a commercial name of the Oseltamivir phosphate, an antiviral agent that is used both for the treatment and prophylaxis of flu viruses of groups B and A. Oseltamivir phosphate inhibits virus replication and pathogenicity .The drug effectively prevents the disease, provided that the symptoms do not last longer than two days.

Tamiflu is recommended for children over one year of age and for adult  patients.

Tamiflu is a prodrug. After interacting with digestive agents and after metabolizing in the liver Oseltamivir Carboxylate is released. It is an effective neuraminidase blocker of flu A and B viruses. Neuraminidase is an enzyme that promotes the release of newly formed viral elements from infected cells. Also Neuraminidase helps virus to penetrate into the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract for further spreading of the virus.

The drug is used as a prophylaxis for people who have come into contact with patients who have been diagnosed with influenza. It should be noted that the product acts only on influenza viruses group A and B. It is not effective in other viral diseases.

Tamiflu easily enters the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract and is converted into an active metabolite with the help of liver enzymes. The concentration of the drug is determined in the blood, within 30 minutes. The maximum effect of the product occurs in 2-3 hours. This suggests that the relief of flu symptoms will come in two hours and will gradually disappear.

Applying

Tamiflu is used inside, with meals or regardless of food intake. Drug tolerance can be improved if taken with food.

Adults, adolescents, or children who cannot swallow the capsule may also receive Tamiflu in the form of an oral suspension. If Tamiflu is not available in the form of a suspension for oral administration, you can open the capsule and pour its contents into a small amount (maximum 1 teaspoon) of a suitable sweetened food product (chocolate syrup with normal sugar content or sugar free, honey, light brown sugar or table sugar dissolved in water, sweet dessert, condensed milk with sugar, applesauce or yogurt) in order to hide the bitter taste. The mixture must be thoroughly mixed and given to the patient as a whole. Swallow the mixture immediately after preparation.

The drug should be started no later than 2 days after the development of the symptoms of the disease. Adults and adolescents ≥12 years of age should take Tamiflu in the dose of 75 mg 2 times a day by mouth for 5 days. Increasing the dose of more than 150 mg / day does not increase the effect.

Children weighing less than 40 kg or aged 8 to 12 years who can swallow capsules can also receive treatment by taking one 75 mg capsule 2 times a day for 5 days. For children aged 1 to 8 years, it is recommended to take Tamiflu in the form of an oral suspension. To determine the recommended dosage regimen, see the instructions for medical use of Tamiflu.

For prevention, the drug should be started no later than 2 days after contact with patients. Adults and adolescents over the age of 12 years should take 75 mg once a day by mouth for at least 10 days after contact with the patient. During the seasonal influenza epidemic, 75 mg once daily for 6 weeks is also recommended. The preventive effect lasts as long as taking the drug.

Children who can swallow capsules can also receive preventive therapy by taking one 75 mg capsule once a day for 10 days.

Side effects

Tamiflu overdose reports have been received during clinical trials. In the majority of reported cases, an overdose of adverse reactions was not reported.

Adverse reactions reported with overdose were similar in nature and type to those observed with the use of therapeutic doses of Tamiflu.

There is no specific antidote.

There have been more reports of overdose in children than in adults and adolescents. Caution should be exercised when administering Tamiflu to children.

The drug is quite well tolerated by both children and adults. Tamiflu is not characterized by an increased number of side effects, but allergic reactions occur in the case of intolerance to any of the components in the composition of this drug.

Adults and adolescents had nausea and vomiting when taking Tamiflu for the treatment of influenza, and nausea for the prevention of influenza. They were transient in nature and usually appeared on the first or second day of treatment and disappeared after 1-2 days. In children, vomiting was the most common undesirable phenomenon. In most cases, adverse reactions did not result in drug withdrawal.

The following serious adverse reactions were rarely reported during post marketing use of Oseltamivir: anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions, liver disorders, angioedema, ectopic, and syndrome, neuropsychiatric disorders.

Usually side effects appear during the first and second day of applying and disappear on the third day on their own.

The drug is not recommended for patients who suffer from acute renal failure.

Be careful! A lot of drugs are made without proper technologies! They can cause additional side effects! We highly recommend you to use Tamiflu from trusted distributors! We check our suppliers!

Warning!

This drug is a medical product and requires following recommendations of its usage and storage. It should be stored in the cool dark place, avoiding direct sunlight. It’s also necessary to keep this drug out of children`s reach!

You MUST consult with your attending physician before you start using this drug. We also ask you to take into account that this drug may cause some side effects. Some of them can be life-threatening. If you notice any disturbing symptoms you should to contact with your physician. In some cases, it is necessary to stop taking the drug for a while. Also, you must inform your doctor if you taking Tamiflu with other medicines. So physician can prescribe proper treatment and help you to avoid any unpleasant adverse effects.