Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)

The active ingredient in Tamiflu, known as oseltamivir, inhibits the neuraminidase enzyme in the body, preventing the release of new influenza particles from infected cells and subsequently stopping the virus from spreading between infected and healthy cells.

When influenza virus particles attach to the surface of a cell, they cause a flu infection. These viral particles stay attached to the infected cell due to a molecule known as sialic acid and can spread to other cells if an enzyme called ‘neuraminidase’ cuts through the sialic acid molecules that hold the virus particles to the infected cell.

Tamiflu inhibits the neuraminidase enzyme, preventing viral particles from spreading. This causes the infection to remain localised (in one place), increasing the immune system’s ability to fight the infection for faster recovery.

Tamiflu is most effective at treating an ongoing flu infection when it is taken within 48 hours of experiencing flu symptoms.

Tamiflu is also effective at preventing seasonal outbreaks of the flu if it is taken for up to 6 weeks, although the exact effectiveness of the medication depends on individual factors.

Individuals who wish to learn more about how effective Tamiflu will be for them are recommended to consult a pharmacist or doctor.

The recommended dose of Tamiflu depends on the patient’s body weight and whether they are looking to treat an ongoing flu infection or prevent a flu infection from occurring.

• Individuals who weigh more than 40kg and wish to treat a flu infection should take 75mg of Tamiflu twice per day for 5 days. The 5-day course of treatment must be completed, even if the individual feels better earlier on during treatment.
• Individuals who weigh more than 40kg and wish to prevent seasonal outbreaks of the flu should take 75mg of Tamiflu once per day for up to 6 weeks.
• Individuals who weigh less than 40kg should consult a doctor about other flu treatments or prevention options.

Tamiflu should be taken as soon as possible to treat a flu infection, provided you are eligible for treatment after completing our online consultation for flu treatment.

Swallow Tamiflu capsules whole with water, with or without food. Do not break or chew the capsules and take the medication exactly as prescribed.

If you miss a dose of Tamiflu, do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Continue treatment as instructed by the pharmacist or doctor, skipping the missed dose and completing the course as prescribed by the pharmacist or doctor.

Tamiflu takes at least 5 days to work depending on whether it is taken to treat an ongoing flu infection or prevent an infection from occurring.

Flu treatment - it takes 5 days of treatment with Tamiflu, consisting of two 75mg doses per day, to treat an ongoing flu infection in individuals who weigh more than 40kg.

Flu prevention - it takes 10 days of treatment with Tamiflu, consisting of one 75mg dose per day, to prevent a flu infection with Tamiflu in individuals who are exposed to an infected person.

Always adhere to the prescribed courses for Tamiflu and do not take the medication without consulting a pharmacist or doctor.

Tamiflu is specifically designed to treat flu infections caused by the influenza virus and should not be taken to treat a cold, which is caused by a different type of virus known as the rhinovirus.

While some of the symptoms of a common cold overlap with flu symptoms, such as a runny nose and mild sore throat, Tamiflu will not improve cold symptoms.

Individuals experiencing a cold are recommended to see a GP to confirm the diagnosis and take treatments that are formulated to help alleviate cold symptoms, such as Paracetamol, Lemsip Sachets, Lemsip Max Sachets or Lemsip Max Capsules.

Tamiflu blocks the neuraminidase enzyme from aiding the spread of the influenza virus between infected and healthy cells in the body.

This reduces the duration of a flu outbreak, preventing common flu symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches and a cough from getting worse.

Tamiflu is formulated to help eliminate the influenza virus. With that said, some individuals may remain contagious after treatment with Tamiflu, though the risk of spreading the virus to others is greatly reduced after completing the prescribed course of treatment.

It is advisable to consult a doctor after completing the full course of treatment to accurately determine whether you are still contagious with the flu after taking Tamiflu.

Tamiflu is not an antibiotic. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, while Tamiflu is an antiviral medication used specifically for treating infections caused by the influenza virus.

Tamiflu is the brand name for an antiviral medication that contains the active ingredient ‘oseltamivir’. In other words, Tamiflu is the commercial name under which oseltamivir is sold, and both terms are often used interchangeably when referring to the treatment.

Tamiflu cannot be bought over the counter as it is a prescription-only medication. Individuals who wish to take Tamiflu can complete our free online consultation for cold and flu treatment to determine treatment eligibility.

It is not recommended to drink alcohol when taking Tamiflu, as alcohol is known to interfere with the body’s immune response, potentially weakening your ability to fight the flu during treatment.