Brand name Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is a well known antiviral medication for treating uncomplicated acute disease happening because of influenza infection. The medication is recommended by the World Health Organization as an effective therapy for resisting and fighting influenza viruses of A and B types. This means that the medication can be used as prophylaxis of the influenza and as a treatment for patients over 1 year of old having symptoms for more than two days. Tamiflu can be used as a prophylaxis in those groups of people who are exposed or most vulnerable to the disease.

Tamiflu obstructs the actions of virus types A and B influenza in the human body thus preventing the development and complications of the disease.

Treatment with Tamiflu should be initiated as soon as influenza symptoms appear; it will help enhance the effect from the treatment. Influenza symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose) are treated by taking Tamiflu every 12 hours during 5 days. As a prophylactic treatment Tamiflu is taken every 24 hours for 10 days or as your doctor orders you to do.

Before starting treatment or prophylaxis with Tamiflu take into account the following points:

• Tamiflu is designed to fight the influenza caused by type A, B viruses.  The medication may be ineffective against other agents.
• The constant mutating process of the viruses of influenza and changes in the viral virulence may negate the effects of Tamiflu.
• The treatment should be started as soon as possible, when it is initiated the patient may not see the effect right away, some time should pass before the treatment becomes effective.

Warnings:

Report to your doctor if you have been given a nasal flu vaccine within the past two weeks prior to taking Tamiflu.

Inform your doctor about such serious conditions as kidney disorders, heart diseases, lung disease.

Don’t take Tamiflu if you are allergic to oseltamivir.

Take Tamiflu exactly as your doctor ordered it for you. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take Tamiflu with water. Tamiflu may be taken with or without food.

The oral suspension is usually prescribed to the children; the liquid should be shaken well before taken inside. The liquid is to be measured with the syringe provided with the suspension.

Tamiflu is usually well-tolerated, still if any serious side effects occur, get emergency medical attention:

• sudden confusion;
• hallucinations;
• unusual behavior;
• self-injury.

Other side effects you should watch for can be:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• headaches;
• nosebleed;
• insomnia;
• cough or other respiratory symptoms.

Tamiflu may interact with other medications, ask your doctor about them and tell him all the medications you are using to treat influenza or other conditions.