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Taking Tamiflu at the
first sign of flu symptoms
may reduce the amount of
time you’re sick.

Tamiflu for children
Icon taking Tamiflu

How to Take Tamiflu

Take Tamiflu within 48 hours of flu symptom onset. You have a choice of capsules or liquid. It’s best to take Tamiflu with food—there is less chance of stomach upset if you take it with a light snack or a meal.

If you have already been exposed to the flu, but you don't have any symptoms, you can take Tamiflu for up to 6 weeks to help prevent you from getting sick.

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Flu Treatment

For adults and teens aged 13 years and older

  • Take 75 mg, twice daily, for 5 days.

For children 2 weeks of age to 12 years old

  • Take 1 dose, based on your child's weight, twice daily, for 5 days.
  • Tamiflu is available in capsule and liquid form.
  • See full prescribing information for dosing based on your child's weight.
Icon prevention

Flu Prevention

For adults and teens aged 13 years and older

  • Take 1 dose, once daily, for 10 days or as long as prescribed.

For children from 1 to 12 years old

  • Take 1 dose, based on your child's weight, once daily, for 10 days or as long as prescribed.
  • See full prescribing information for dosing based on your child's weight.
  • Tamiflu is not approved for flu prevention in children less than 1 year of age.
Icon FAQs

FAQs

Below are several commonly asked questions and their answers. If you have additional questions not covered here, be sure to ask your doctor.

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What should I do if I miss a dose of Tamiflu?

If you forget to take your medicine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is 2 hours or less before your next scheduled dose. Then continue to take Tamiflu at the usual times. Do not take 2 doses at a time to make up for a missed dose. If you miss several doses, tell your doctor and follow the advice given to you.

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Can I take Tamiflu with other medications?

Your doctor or healthcare provider may recommend taking over-the-counter medications to help lessen your symptoms.

As with any medication, be sure to discuss with your doctor any over-the-counter or prescription medicines you are currently taking before beginning Tamiflu therapy.

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How do I store Tamiflu?

Follow these guidelines:

  • Store Tamiflu capsules at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Store liquid Tamiflu in the refrigerator for up to 17 days between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
  • Store liquid Tamiflu for up to 10 days at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Safely throw away any unused Tamiflu that is out of date or no longer needed.
Icon administration

How do I administer liquid Tamiflu?

If you are taking liquid Tamiflu or giving it to a loved one, your pharmacist should give you a small measuring cup or dosing syringe, since there is not a dosing device in the carton. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take Tamiflu and which dose to take.

Important Safety Information

INDICATIONS

TAMIFLU is a prescription medicine used to treat the flu (influenza) in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 2 days. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in people 1 year and older.

TAMIFLU does not prevent bacterial infections that may happen with the flu.

TAMIFLU is not a substitute for an annual flu vaccination.

TAMIFLU is not recommended if you have severe kidney disease and are not on dialysis.

Do not take TAMIFLU if you are allergic to oseltamivir phosphate or any of the ingredients in TAMIFLU.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • If you have an allergic reaction or a severe rash with TAMIFLU, stop taking it and contact your doctor right away. This may be very serious
  • People with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at an increased risk of seizure, confusion, or abnormal behavior early during their illness
  • Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, nursing, have heart problems, breathing problems, a weakened immune system (immunocompromised), kidney problems or other medical conditions as TAMIFLU may not be right for you
  • Also tell your doctor about any medications you are taking or if you’ve received a nasal- spray flu vaccine in the past two weeks
  • The most common side effects when treating the flu include nausea, vomiting, and headache. The most common side effects when preventing the flu include nausea, vomiting, headache, and pain

Please see the TAMIFLU full Prescribing Information for complete important safety information.

You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech by calling 1-888-835-2555 or to the FDA by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.