Oseltamivir (Systemic)

Brand Names : Tamiflu

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For oseltamivir, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to oseltamivir. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Oseltamivir has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that oseltamivir causes problems. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether oseltamivir passes into human breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children - This medicine has not been tested in children younger than 1 year of age.

Older adults - This medicine has been tested in older adults and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older adults than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking oseltamivir it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

• Probenecid (e.g., Benemid) - Co-administration may result in higher blood levels of the active metabolite of oseltamivir

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of oseltamivir. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Illnesses caused by viruses other than influenza Type A or B
• Liver disease
• Lung disease
• Serious medical problems that may need admission to a hospital