What is Oseltamivir: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Oseltamivir

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Do not take this medicine for any illness other than the flu.

• Start taking this medicine as soon as possible after flu symptoms begin or after you are exposed to the flu (within the first 2 days).

• Shake the oral liquid before each use. Measure the liquid medicine with the oral dispenser that came with the medicine. Ask your pharmacist for an oral measuring spoon or syringe if you do not have one.

• You may open the capsule and mix the contents with a sweet liquid (such as chocolate syrup, corn syrup, or sugar dissolved in water). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: If you miss a dose and your next dose is due within 2 hours, skip the missed dose and take your medicine at the normal time. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss a dose and your next dose is due in more than 2 hours, take the missed dose as soon as you can. Then take your next dose at the normal time, and go back to your regular schedule.

• Capsules: Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator and use within 17 days. Do not freeze. You may also store the medicine at room temperature, but use it within 10 days. Throw away any medicine that has not been used within this time.

• Capsules: Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• You may open the capsule and mix the contents with a sweet liquid (such as chocolate syrup, corn syrup, or sugar dissolved in water). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Shake the oral liquid before each use. Measure the liquid medicine with the oral dispenser that came with the medicine. Ask your pharmacist for an oral measuring spoon or syringe if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: If you miss a dose and your next dose is due within 2 hours, skip the missed dose and take your medicine at the normal time. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss a dose and your next dose is due in more than 2 hours, take the missed dose as soon as you can. Then take your next dose at the normal time, and go back to your regular schedule.

• Start taking this medicine as soon as possible after flu symptoms begin or after you are exposed to the flu (within the first 2 days).

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator and use within 17 days. Do not freeze. You may also store the medicine at room temperature, but use it within 10 days. Throw away any medicine that has not been used within this time.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Do not take this medicine for any illness other than the flu.

What to do if you miss a dose of Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to oseltamivir.

Oseltamivir warnings

• This medicine is not a substitute for a yearly flu shot. It also will not prevent a bacterial infection.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Serious skin reactionsUnusual thoughts or behaviors

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• The liquid form of this medicine contains sorbitol. Tell your doctor if you have hereditary fructose intolerance.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Oseltamivir interactions

• Do not use this medicine if you have received the live influenza vaccine (nasal mist) in the past 2 weeks or if you will receive the vaccine within 48 hours, unless your doctor says it is okay.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Serious skin reactionsUnusual thoughts or behaviors

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• The liquid form of this medicine contains sorbitol. Tell your doctor if you have hereditary fructose intolerance.

• This medicine is not a substitute for a yearly flu shot. It also will not prevent a bacterial infection.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.