Oseltamivir

GENERIC NAME: oseltamivir

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM
Oseltamivir is an oral medication used for treating and preventing the "flu." It is similar to zanamivir (Relenza). Oseltamivir suppresses and decreases the spread of influenza A and B viruses, the viruses responsible for the flu. It does this by blocking the action of neuraminidase, an enzyme produced by the viruses that enables the viruses to spread from infected cells to healthy cells. By preventing the spread of virus from cell to cell, the symptoms and duration of influenza infection are reduced. On average, oseltamivir reduces the duration of symptoms by one and a half days if treatment is started within forty-eight hours of the beginning of symptoms. The FDA approved oseltamivir in October 1999.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 30, 45, and 75 mg. Suspension: 12 mg/ml

PRESCRIBED FOR
Oseltamivir is used for the treatment of uncomplicated infections with the influenza viruses, including H1N1, in adults and children (one year and older) within two days of the beginning of symptoms. It also is approved for emergency use in children less than 1 year old. Oseltamivir can be used for preventing the flu in healthy individuals, but it is not a substitute for flu vaccine.

DOSING
Oseltamivir is administered orally.

* The recommended dose for treating adults is 75 mg twice daily for five days.
* Children are treated with 30-75 mg twice daily depending on body weight.

For the best results, treatment should begin within 2 days of symptom onset. The recommended dose for preventing flu after close contact with an infected individual is 75 mg daily for 10 days.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

USES
Oseltamivir is used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus (influenza). It helps to make the symptoms (e.g., stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, aches, tiredness) less severe and shortens the time to recovery by 1-2 days. This medication is also used to prevent the flu if you have been exposed to someone who already has the flu (e.g., sick household member). This medication works by stopping the flu virus from growing. It is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. (See Notes) Oseltamivir should not be used in infants less than 1 year of age. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may take it with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take this medication as soon as flu symptoms appear or as soon as possible after you have been exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir works best if you start taking it within 2 days of either of these events. If you have the flu, take oseltamivir usually twice a day for 5 days, or as directed by your doctor. To prevent the flu, take oseltamivir usually once a day for at least 7 days, or as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for how long to take this medicine. This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too early may allow the virus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection or failure to protect you from the flu. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if new symptoms appear.

SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea and vomiting may occur as your body adjusts to this medication and usually go away after 1-2 days. Dizziness may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
 

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.