Uses of Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir is used in adults, adolescents, children and infants (including full-term new-born babies) for the treatment of flu (influenza) and also used as preventive treatment in a global flu pandemic and when the seasonal flu vaccine may not provide sufficient protection.

It can be used when you have flu symptoms, and the flu virus is known to be spreading in your community. It can also be used to prevent flu in adults, adolescents, children and infants above 1 year of age, only if you have been in contact with someone affected with flu.  

Therapeutic Category

Oseltamivir: Antivirals

How Oseltamivir works

Oseltamivir is an antiviral that prevents the spread of flu virus inside the body by blocking the action of chemicals required for the survival of virus. This helps to ease or prevent the symptoms of the flu virus infection.

Common side effects of Oseltamivir

• nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, bloating
• headache 
• bronchitis (lung infection) 
• signs of cold sore virus (painful, fluid-filled skin blisters) 
• cough
• dizziness
• fever
• pain, limb pain
• runny nose
• difficulty in sleeping
• sore throat
• tiredness
• upper respiratory tract infections (infection in nose, throat and sinuses)
• nasal congestion
• conjunctivitis (red eyes and discharge or pain in the eye)
• ear inflammation and other ear disorders

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions (severe allergic reactions causing face and skin swelling, itchy rashes, low blood pressure and breathing difficulties)
• If you experience signs of liver disorders such as fulminant hepatitis, hepatic function disorder and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, change in stool colour, behavioural changes)
• If you experience angioneurotic oedema (sudden onset of severe swelling of the skin mainly around the head and neck area, including eyes and tongue, with breathing difficulties)
• If you experience complicated and life life-threatening allergic reaction like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe inflammation of the outer and possibly inner skin, initially with fever, sore throat and fatigue, skin rashes, leading to blisters, peeling, shedding of larger areas of skin, breathing difficulties and low blood pressure)
• If you experience signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (prolonged bleeding from the large bowel or spitting up blood) 
• If you experience signs of neuropsychiatric disorders (convulsions and delirium with changed consciousness level, behavioural changes such as confusion, delusions, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, nightmares, self-injury)

Health Tips for Oseltamivir

• Take oseltamivir exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow the recommended dosage and timing instructions. Typically, oseltamivir is taken twice a day for a specific number of days.
• Oseltamivir is often used to treat influenza (flu) and is most effective when started within the first 48 hours of experiencing flu symptoms. If you suspect you have the flu, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, and clear broths. Staying hydrated can help alleviate some of the flu symptoms and support your body's healing process.
• Oseltamivir can be taken with or without food. If you experience stomach upset, taking it with food might help reduce discomfort.
• In addition to taking the medication, make sure to get plenty of rest. Your body needs energy to fight off the infection, so prioritize sleep and relaxation.
• To prevent the spread of flu to others, practice good hygiene, including washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with others if possible.