Oseltamivir Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Common Oseltamivir side effects may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion, fatigue, insomnia, vertigo, dizziness, conjunctivitis, nosebleeds, hives, liver inflammation and severe skin reactions. Rare Oseltamivir side effects include Convulsions (fits) and psychiatric events, such as decreased consciousness, abnormal behavior, hallucinations and delirium.

OSELTAMIVIR SIDE EFFECTS REPORTING

If you experience any Oseltamivir side effects not mentioned above you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.

Oseltamivir is a type of medicine called a neuraminidase inhibitor. Oseltamivir is used to treat and prevent infection with the influenza (flu) virus. Main ingredient in Oseltamivir is Oseltamivir Phosphate. Oseltamivir works by binding to the neuraminidase on the surface of the virus and stopping it from working. This prevents the flu virus from spreading and infecting other cells and so confines the infection to a smaller area. This makes the flu symptoms less severe and also makes it is easier for the body's own immune system to get rid of the virus. Oseltamivir has been shown to lessen the duration of flu symptoms by approximately one to one and a half days and to reduce the risk of developing flu-related complications that require antibiotics. To treat the flu Oseltamivir should be started within 48 hours of the symptoms starting. Oseltamivir can also be used to prevent flu in people who have been in contact with someone with the virus. The medicine should be started within 48 hours of being in contact with the infected person. Oseltamivir was recently used to treat people infected with Swine flu(H1N1) as well.

In non-pandemic situation Oseltamivir should not be prescribed to treat or prevent normal seasonal flu in people who are otherwise healthy. Oseltamivir should only given to people who are at risk of developing complications from flu. These people are seniors 65 years or older, and those with chronic lung disease, (asthma or COPD), kidney, liver, heart or neurological disease, diabetes, or a poor immune system. In addition, Oseltamivir should only be used in these people if the flu virus is known to be going around in considerable amounts.

OSELTAMIVIR OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Oseltamivir may include nausea and vomiting. If you suspect Oseltamivir overdose, seek medical attention right away. If you miss a dose of Oseltamivir, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Oseltamivir.

Oseltamivir Warning

Take Oseltamivir at regular intervals as prescribed by your doctor.

Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Oseltamivir should not be taken as a general preventive measure to prevent seasonal flu, or to prevent the swine flu(h1n1).

Oseltamivir should also not be used as a substitute for the flu vaccine.

Currently it is not known how effective Oseltamivir will be at treating or preventing flu in case of a weakened immune system.

It is also not known how effective Oseltamivir will be for treating flu in people with chronic heart or lung disease.

Avoid Oseltamivir if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Use Oseltamivir with caution for those with decreased kidney function.

Oseltamivir is not recommended for people with severely decreased kidney function or people having dialysis for kidney failure.

Liquid Oseltamivir contains sorbitol and may not be right for people with a hereditary intolerance to fructose. Oseltamivir capsules, however, do not contain sorbitol.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using Oseltamivir and inform your physician or pharmacist right away.

Oseltamivir and Pregnancy

The safety of Oseltamivir during pregnancy has not been fully established. The drug maker states that Oseltamivir is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the fetus.

Inform your physician if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using Oseltamivir.

It is not known to what extent Oseltamivir passes into breast milk. The manufacturer states that Oseltamivir is not recommended for use during breastfeeding unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the infant.

Oseltamivir Interaction

The drug maker of Oseltamivir states that it should be used with caution in people who are taking the following medicines, as Oseltamivir may possibly reduce the removal of these medicines from the body by the kidneys:

Chlorpropamide

Methotrexate

Phenylbutazone

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