Oseltamivir Oral Capsules

What is this medicine?

OSELTAMIVIR (os el TAM i vir) is an antiviral drug. It is used to prevent and to treat some kinds of influenza or the flu. It will not work for colds or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this drug by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take all of this drug unless your health care provider tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

When taking whole capsules: Do not cut, crush or chew this drug. Swallow the capsules whole.

When mixing capsule contents with liquid: Open the capsule and mix the contents in a small bowl with a small amount of a sweetened liquid such as chocolate syrup, corn syrup, caramel topping, or light brown sugar (dissolved in water). Stir the mixture and take the dose right away after mixing.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. While it may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• abnormal behavior

• breathing problems

• confusion

• hallucinations

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• tremors

• trouble speaking

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• pain

What may interact with this medicine?

• intranasal influenza vaccine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose (within 2 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• difficulty swallowing

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to oseltamivir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If you have the flu, you may be at an increased risk of developing seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior. This occurs early in the illness, and more frequently in children and teens. These events are not common, but may result in accidental injury to the patient. Families and caregivers of patients should watch for signs of unusual behavior and contact a doctor or health care professional right away if the patient shows signs of unusual behavior.

To treat the flu, start taking this drug within 2 days of getting flu symptoms.

This drug is not a substitute for the flu shot. Talk to your doctor each year about an annual flu shot.