Tamiflu alternatives: What can I take instead of Tamiflu?

In this article:

• What can I take instead of Tamiflu?
• Over-the-counter flu remedies
• How to switch to a Tamiflu alternative

In this article

• What can I take instead of Tamiflu?
• Over-the-counter flu remedies
• How to switch to a Tamiflu alternative

Tamiflu (or generic oseltamivir) is a prescription antiviral drug that prevents or treats influenza A and B infections in adults and children. Taken in the early stages of the infection, Tamiflu can reduce the duration of the infection by a day. It also significantly reduces the risk of flu complications or hospitalization, so it’s commonly used in people with a high risk of developing severe complications, including seniors, pregnant women, infants, or individuals with chronic or immune-compromised medical conditions. 

What can I take instead of Tamiflu?

Tamiflu, a neuraminidase inhibitor, is typically a first-line choice to treat or prevent flu infection. Only two other neuraminidase inhibitors are available to fight off an influenza infection: Relenza, an inhaled medication, and Xofluza, taken as a tablet or liquid. Rapivab, which works differently than Tamiflu, is only given by IV for those who can’t take an oral or inhaled medication. 

Other prescription antivirals, amantadine and rimantadine, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat flu, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other expert organizations no longer recommend their use due to a high rate of resistance. 

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of October 20, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

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Tamiflu 75 mg (10 Capsule)

23666 - Hampton, VA

$17.99

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$17.99

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Top 3 Tamiflu alternatives

The following are the most common alternatives to Tamiflu.

1. Xofluza

Xofluza is prescribed to treat influenza as well as to lower the risk of flu after an exposure. Xofluza is different from Tamiflu in that it only requires one oral dose compared to five days of treatment with Tamiflu. Like Tamiflu, Xofluza is effective against influenza types A and B. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and headache.

Xofluza is only FDA-approved to treat children ages 5 years or older, compared to Tamiflu’s approval down to infancy. Additionally, when taken to prevent flu, Xofluza is only approved for influenza prophylaxis after a known exposure. Tamiflu can be prescribed before an exposure for people at high risk of complications. Perhaps the most prominent difference is that Xofluza does not have a generic version available, meaning that it can cost a great deal more compared to oseltamivir, the generic form of Tamiflu. 

RELATED: Tamiflu vs. Xofluza: which is better for the flu?

2. Relenza

Relenza works just like Tamiflu, but doses are inhaled rather than taken orally. In this way, people taking Relenza avoid some of the digestive system side effects of Tamiflu or Xofluza, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Unlike Tamiflu or Xofluza, Relenza can cause airway tightening (bronchospasm), making it unsuitable for people with underlying airway disease such as asthma or chronic lung disease. Additionally, Relenza does not reduce the risk of complications, so it may be unsuitable for high-risk populations. Doses are taken twice daily for five days to treat an infection, or twice daily for 10 to 28 days for the prevention of influenza.

3. Rapivab

Rapivab is given in a healthcare setting in a single intravenous (IV) dose. Rapivab is typically used when someone is unable to take medication by mouth, has excessive vomiting, or cannot inhale an antiviral medicine. 

Amantadine and rimantadine are oral medications that are FDA-approved to treat influenza A. However, due to high rates of resistance, their use is no longer recommended by infectious disease experts.

Over-the-counter flu remedies

Retail stores and pharmacies have no shortage of flu remedies packaged as combination medications or individual drugs. None of these drugs shortens the duration of infection or decreases the risk of serious complications. They may, however, make life with a flu infection more tolerable for some people. These include pain and fever relievers such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) for body aches and fever, antihistamines to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, expectorants to loosen mucus, dextromethorphan to suppress cough, and decongestants to clear stuffy nose and sinus passages. 

Some OTC medications may help with mild cold and flu symptoms, but they may not be suitable for people with serious symptoms or those at high risk of complications. 

Additionally,read the labels before using or combining store-bought flu remedies. It is possible to overdose on some drugs, such as acetaminophen, if OTC flu remedies are used carelessly or in combination with one another. They may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions and may interact with other medications. Consult your healthcare professional for advice.

Natural alternatives to Tamiflu

Natural alternatives may help to relieve mild flu symptoms for some people, especially when combined with other measures of supportive care. However, there is no evidence that products such as zinc, vitamin C, or elderberry can shorten the duration of an infection.

Other natural therapies to relieve flu symptoms include rest and staying hydrated. Saltwater gargles can help with sore throats, humidifiers or steam for congestion, a warm, wet compress to unstuff sinuses, and green tea, omega-3 fatty acids, or ginger to reduce inflammation.

How to switch to a Tamiflu alternative

Tamiflu is only taken for a few days, so switching from Tamiflu to another treatment is not a common occurrence. The most likely reason to switch treatments is that the infection is caused by a different infectious disease, but side effects or drug interactions might be an issue. 

Do not stop Tamiflu unless you have serious or intolerable side effects. Stopping the medicine will increase the risk of complications. 

If Tamiflu does not seem to be working or side effects are a problem, the first step is to talk to the prescribing healthcare provider. Make sure the clinician knows about all the medicines and supplements you are taking.

The healthcare professional can then review both the antiviral and the symptom relief options. It may not be possible to switch to another antiviral drug, so symptom management may be the only available treatment option.

Choosing the right path for influenza treatment

There’s no surefire way to prevent all cases of the flu. But getting a flu vaccine before flu season starts is the best way to prevent influenza for yourself and for those around you. Antiviral flu treatment is not a substitute for flu vaccination. 

If you think you may have health conditions that are risk factors for flu complications, talk with a primary care physician about your medical conditions and the possible need for antiviral therapy in case of a flu infection. Review the antiviral treatments with the doctor and what steps to take at the first sign of a flu infection or exposure. Finally, get immediate medical help at the first sign of an infection or exposure. Antiviral treatment only works when started one or two days after flu symptom onset.