What is Tamiflu?

Tamiflu is the brand name for oseltamivir phosphate, an antiviral medication that treats and prevents influenza A and B, the viruses responsible for seasonal flu. It is a prescription-only medication and the 75mg tablets are available to children over the age of 1 and adults.

If you already have the flu, Tamiflu can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms such as headaches, tiredness and runny noses. It is most effective within the first 48 hours of experiencing these symptoms, so it may be best to get a prescription ahead of time as a precaution during the flu season if you’re vulnerable or at high risk of complications. 

This medication can also reduce the risk of catching the flu once you’re exposed to it, which can be especially important during flu outbreaks. However, it’s vital to note that it's not a substitute for the flu vaccine, which is recommended if you are in an at-risk group.

How does Tamiflu work?

When you get the flu, the virus will start to grow and spread around your body, causing you to feel sick. In general, it will take your immune system around 5-7 days to fight off this infection and once it does, you’ll start to feel better.

Tamiflu contains the active ingredient oseltamivir phosphate which blocks neuraminidase, an enzyme found on the surface of the influenza virus. Neuraminidase plays a crucial role in the virus’ ability to spread throughout the body. By blocking this enzyme, Tamiflu prevents the virus from exiting infected cells and infecting new ones. This slows down the spread of the virus in your body and makes it harder for you to become infected in the first place.

Overview

Type of medicine: Neuraminidase inhibitor
Works by: Blocks neuraminidase (neuraminidase helps the flu virus to grow and spread)
Active ingredient: Oseltamivir phosphate
Effective within: 48 hours
Pack size: 10
Strength: 75mg
Generic: No
Use with alcohol: No known issues

Side Effects

Mild side effects of Tamiflu include: 

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• General body pain. 

A serious side effect of Tamiflu is mental health changes. Symptoms of this may include: 

• Delirium
• Hallucinations
• Confusion

Directions

Tamiflu should be swallowed whole with water. How you take it depends on whether you’re preventing flu or treating flu symptoms. 

To prevent flu: 

• Start taking Tamiflu within 48 hours of coming into contact with someone who has the flu
• Take one tablet once a day for 10 days.

To treat flu symptoms: 

• Start taking Tamiflu within 48 hours of experiencing flu symptoms
• Take one tablet twice a day for 5 days.

If you miss a dose, you should: 

• Take the medication if your next dose is more than 2 hours away
• Skip the medication if your next dose is less than 2 hours away.