What is Tamiflu used for?
Tamiflu is for treating adults with the
flu whose flu symptoms started within the last day or two. Tamiflu is also used to reduce
the chance of getting the flu in people age 13 and older who have a higher chance of
getting the flu because they spend time with someone who has the flu. Tamiflu can also
reduce the chance of getting the flu if there is a flu outbreak in the community.
Special Warnings with Tamiflu:
Tamiflu’s safety and effectiveness have not been determined in people
with chronic heart or lung disease, kidney failure, or in people with high-risk underlying
medical conditions.
General Precautions with Tamiflu:
- Tamiflu has not been shown to treat flu-like illnesses caused by any virus other
than influenza A and B (e.g., stomach flu, common cold, or other respiratory illnesses not
caused by influenza).
- Other kinds of infections can appear like influenza or occur along with
influenza, and need different types of treatment. Contact your health care provider if you
feel worse or develop new symptoms during or after treatment, or if your influenza
symptoms do not start to get better.
- Taking Tamiflu should not affect your decision to have an annual influenza
vaccination.
- The safety and efficacy of repeated courses of treatment have not been
established.
What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?
Tell your doctor or health care provider if you:
- are taking any other medications
- have any type of kidney disease
- are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of Tamiflu? (This is NOT
a complete list of side effects reported with Tamiflu. Your health care provider can
discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bronchitis
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
For more detailed information about Tamiflu, ask your health care provider.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/1999/21087lbl.pdf Link to
Tamiflu’s approved label and patient information
Updated: 10/5/00
Revised: 11/21/00 |