Tamiflu Prescription Information
Flu season usually begins in October and runs through May. The contagious virus is spread through airborne particles. Most people are contagious a full day before exhibiting any symptoms and for as long as five days after becoming ill. The flu can last up to a week and poses a particular health risk to people over 50, infants and small children, and people with other illnesses.
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Indications
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Tamiflu, which halts the spread of the virus within your body, is effective if you take it within 48 hours of showing flu symptoms. It also can prevent the flu if you take it after being exposed to someone who has the virus. Clinical studies show that adult patients began to feel better 30 percent sooner than patients who did not take the medicine. Children experienced 26 percent more rapid recovery. Tamiflu is available to patients older than one year.
Contraindications
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Do not take Tamiflu if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may pose a threat to your unborn child or nursing infant. If you are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking the medication. Do not take Tamiflu if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in it (main ingredient is oseltamivir phosphate).
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Interactions
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To avoid serious side effects, tell your doctor about all medications (including over-the-counter, herbal and vitamins) that you are taking and if you've had a nasal flu vaccination within the past 14 days. If you have a history of heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease or other serious health problems, talk to your doctor before taking Tamiflu.
Side Effects
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Common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headache, dizziness, redness/discomfort of the eye, insomnia and respiratory problems. More serious side effects are possible. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction (hives, skin rash, swelling of the throat, tongue or face and/or difficulty breathing), get emergency medical assistance. Additional severe (and rare) side effects include hallucinations, confusion, delirium, self-injury and unusual behavior. These symptoms have been mainly exhibited in children, and it is unclear if Tamiflu was the source.
How To Take Tamiflu
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Take this medication as prescribed by your doctor and with a full glass of water. If you experience an upset stomach while taking the medication, take it with milk or food. You will take Tamiflu for five days, every 12 hours. To prevent the flu, you will need to take it for 10 days, once every 24 hours, or as your doctor prescribed it. Be sure to continue Tamiflu for the entire time range prescribed, even if you start feeling better immediately. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
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