Tamiflu is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Tamiflu may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms.
Why do some drugs have different names?
These are trade or brand names registered by the manufacturer. In different countries manufacturers will often use different trade names. The medications have the same active ingredients, but may look different and have a different trade name.
Tamiflu Basics:
Tamiflu is a prescription antiviral medication that can be used to treat influenza infections (the flu) in children and adults, if their symptoms have started within the last day or two before starting to take Tamiflu. It can also be used to prevent the flu in children, teens and adults who have been exposed to the influenza virus.
What Tamiflu Is Used For: Tamiflu is approved to treat the flu in adults and children over age 12 months. It is also indicated as prophylaxis, or a preventative, against the flu for adults and children over age 12 months.
Tamiflu Facts:
- the trade name for Tamiflu is oseltamivir phosphate
- unlike other antiviral flu medications, such as Flumadine and Symmetrel, Tamiflu is effective against both type A and B strains of flu
- Tamiflu helps to reduce your time with flu symptoms by about 1.3 days
- Tamiflu is a neuraminidase inhibitor
- there is no generic version of Tamiflu available yet and 10 capsules can cost over $80 if you have to pay full price
Other facts about Tamiflu:
- Tamiflu is available as 75mg capsules and as a 12mg/ml tutti-frutti flavored Oral Suspension for children who can`t swallow pills
- some parents warn that the Oral Suspension is not a very good tasting medicine, so you might add extra flavoring, especially if your child does not take medicine easily
- Tamiflu may be taken either with or without food
- Tamiflu does not treat other flu-like viral infections, such as the stomach flu, colds, or RSV
