Tamiflu is a capsule that can treat and prevent infection with the influenza virus. It also comes in the form of a powder which can be mixed with water.
When used to treat flu, Tamiflu can reduce your symptoms and help you recover faster. It’s most effective when started within the first 24 to 48 hours after your first symptom. It also stops the influenza virus from spreading to prevent you from getting the flu.
How does Tamiflu work?
The active ingredient in Tamiflu is called oseltamivir. It’s part of a group of medications called neuraminidase inhibitors. It works by binding to the neuraminidase enzyme and stopping it from working. This enzyme helps the influenza virus reproduce itself.
By binding to neuraminidase, Tamiflu stops the virus from escaping into other nearby cells in the human body. This gives your immune system time to fight off any remaining flu infection.
Which dose of Tamiflu should I use?
The recommended dose of Tamiflu will depend on a few factors. These include your age, weight, health status and whether you are using it to treat or prevent flu. You should talk to a doctor to figure out the right dosage.
If you are taking Tamiflu to treat flu then you will usually take a 75mg dose twice a day for five days. If you are taking Tamiflu to prevent flu or after being exposed to someone with it, you’ll usually take one 75mg dose for ten days.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on December 31, 2024. Next review due on December 31, 2027.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
TamifluOseltamivir
How to take Tamiflu
If you take Tamiflu for flu treatment, take it within two days of your flu symptoms beginning to show for it to be the most effective.[1] If you’re taking it for prevention, take it as soon as you can after entering an at-risk area or coming into contact with someone who has been infected.
If you’re taking two doses a day, take one in the morning and one in the evening.
Take the full course of your treatment, even if you’re feeling better.
Swallow the capsules whole without chewing.
If you struggle to take tablets, talk to your clinician about Tamiflu oral suspension.
Always follow our doctor’s advice on how to take Tamiflu.
How long does it take Tamiflu to work?
How long it will take Tamiflu to work will depend on what you’re taking it for and your own health. You should feel well again once your prescribed course is over.
If you’re taking it as flu treatment, you should be better after the five day course. If you’re taking it as a preventative against flu or you have a compromised immune system, you should take it for ten days.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Tamiflu?
If you take too much Tamiflu, get medical advice. If you forget to take a dose of Tamiflu, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a skipped dose.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on December 31, 2024. Next review due on December 31, 2027.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
TamifluOseltamivir
Tamiflu isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.
TamifluOseltamivir
Tamiflu: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is Tamiflu similar to any other treatments?
Answer:
There are other neuraminidase inhibitors that work in a similar way to Tamiflu. They disrupt the replication process of the flu virus so it can’t spread throughout the body, giving your immune system more time to fight it off. One of these neuraminidase inhibitors is Relenza, which contains the active ingredient zanamivir.
Do I need a prescription for Tamiflu?
Answer:
Yes, you will need to have a prescription for Tamiflu. This is just so we can make sure it’s a safe and appropriate medication for you to use.
If you need treatment or prevention for the flu, you can get a prescription by talking to us about your health.
How effective is Tamiflu?
Answer:
Tamiflu has been shown to be effective for treating and preventing flu, by reducing the length of the illness and the severity of symptoms caused by it. It can also lower the chances of complications caused by the flu, including the need to be hospitalised.[1]
Meta analysis that looked at nine different trials found that neuraminidase inhibitors can provide between 67-89% prevention from the flu.[2]
Treated trusted source:
Mørland B, et al. Effect of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) for the Prevention and Treatment of Influenza During an Influenza Pandemic. Oslo, Norway: Knowledge Centre for the Health Services at The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH); 2005. Report from Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services (NOKC) No. 01-2005. PMID: 29319948.
Okoli, G., Otete, H., Beck, C. and Nguyen-Van-Tam, J., 2014. Use of Neuraminidase Inhibitors for Rapid Containment of Influenza: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual and Household Transmission Studies. PLoS ONE, 9(12), p.e113633.
Last updated on Dec 31, 2024.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Dec 31, 2024
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Senior Medical Adviser
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Users report that the treatment with Tamiflu capsules is effective. Patients express satisfaction with the results of the medication in treating their condition.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Dr. Joseph Palumbo
Senior Medical Adviser
Joseph joined Treated in 2023, and is one of the lead doctors providing prescribing services for the platform.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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