Oseltamivir Phosphate

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Tell your doctor if you have received flu vaccine in the nose within 2 weeks before treatment with this medication. This medication may lower your protection from flu vaccine given in the nose. Wait at least 2 days after ending treatment with this medication before receiving flu vaccine given in the nose.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. Consult your doctor about the risks and important benefits of receiving a yearly flu shot to lower your chances of getting the flu.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medicine. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food. You may take it with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take this medication as soon as flu symptoms appear or as soon as possible after you have been exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir works best if you start taking it within 2 days of either of these events.

Shake the bottle well before each dose. Your pharmacist will provide you with an oral dosing dispenser. Measure each dose carefully using the device as instructed. Be careful not to confuse the dose of oseltamivir in milligrams (mg) with the dose in milliliters (ml). Your pharmacist should show you exactly how much medication to use for each dose. Give the dose directly in the mouth. Do not mix with other liquids. After each use, rinse the dispenser with tap water and let it air dry. If you lose or damage the dosing dispenser, consult your pharmacist on what oral syringe you should use instead, and how to correctly measure the dose.

If you have the flu, take oseltamivir as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day for 5 days.

To prevent the flu, take oseltamivir as directed by your doctor, usually once a day for at least 10 days. Follow your doctor's instructions for how long to take this medicine.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.

For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection or failure to protect you from the flu.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse or if new symptoms appear.

Before taking oseltamivir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease (including dialysis treatment).

The liquid form of this medication may contain sorbitol. Sorbitol may cause upset stomach and diarrhea in people who have problems with certain sugars (fructose intolerance). Your doctor may need to order the capsule form of this medication if you cannot tolerate sorbitol.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Discard any unused portion after 17 days. This medication may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the medication is stored at room temperature, discard after 10 days. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.