Oseltamivir Oral Suspension

What is this medicine?

OSELTAMIVIR (os el TAM i vir) is an antiviral medicine. 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. 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. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. 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.

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.

Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused drug after 17 days.

Room Temperature: This drug may be stored at room temperature for up to 10 days.

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:

• hereditary fructose intolerance

• 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.