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Antiviral Tamiflu in liquid
form is FDA-approved to
treat flu in people 2 weeks
of age and older.

How to take Tamiflu

If your child has flu-like symptoms
contact your doctor within 48 hours. Tamiflu is available in capsule and liquid form.

Antibiotic vs. Antiviral

An antibiotic is different from an antiviral. Antibiotics fight bacteria; antivirals fight viruses. The flu is a virus, and Tamiflu is an antiviral medicine. It is 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 of age and older.

In a study of children 1-12 years old, Tamiflu helped children get better up to 1.5 days (26%) faster compared with children who didn’t take Tamiflu within 48 hours of first symptoms.

 

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Preventive Actions to Fight the Flu

To help prevent the spread of the flu virus, remind your child to wash his or her hands frequently and cough or sneeze into tissues. Wipe surfaces—such as bathroom and kitchen counters, and objects, like your child’s toys—with a household disinfectant.

Taking antiviral Tamiflu may also help prevent the flu in young children. In a study of children 1-12 years old who were exposed to the flu, taking Tamiflu reduced their chance of getting the flu. Learn How to Give Tamiflu to Children

 

Greater than 100°F

A fever greater than 100°F is a common symptom of the flu.1 If your child has flu symptoms such as a fever, call your doctor right away and ask if Tamiflu may help your child get better sooner.

 

 

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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.