Tamiflu Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information
Tamiflu side effects may include
headache,nausea, diarrhea,abdominal pain,indigestion,fatigue,insomnia,vertigo,dizziness,conjunctivitis,nosebleeds,hives,liver inflammation and
severe skin reactions. Rare Tamiflu side effects include Convulsions (fits) and psychiatric events, such as decreased consciousness, abnormal behavior, hallucinations and delirium.
TAMIFLU SIDE EFFECTS REPORTING
If you experience any Tamiflu 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.
Tamiflu is a type of medicine called a neuraminidase
inhibitor. Tamiflu is used to treat and prevent infection with the influenza (flu)
virus. Main ingredient in Tamiflu is Oseltamivir Phosphate. Tamiflu 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.
Tamiflu 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 Tamiflu should be started within 48
hours of the symptoms starting. Tamiflu 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. Tamiflu was recently used to treat people infected with Swine flu(H1N1) as well.
In non-pandemic situation Tamiflu should not be prescribed to treat or prevent normal seasonal flu in people who
are otherwise healthy. Tamiflu 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, Tamiflu should only be used
in these people if the flu virus is known to be going around in considerable amounts.
TAMIFLU OVERDOSE
Tamiflu overdose symptoms may include nausea and vomiting. If you suspect
Tamiflu overdose, seek medical attention right away.
If you miss a dose of Tamiflu, 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 Tamiflu.
Tamiflu and Pregnancy
The safety of Tamiflu during pregnancy has not
been fully established. The drug maker states that Tamiflu 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 Tamiflu.
It is not known to what extent Tamiflu passes into breast milk. The manufacturer states that Tamiflu is
not recommended for use during breastfeeding unless the potential
benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the infant.
Tamiflu Warning
Take Tamiflu at regular intervals as prescribed by your doctor.
Complete
the prescribed course unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Tamiflu should not be taken as a general preventive measure to prevent seasonal flu, or to prevent the swine flu(h1n1).
Tamiflu should also not be used as a substitute for the flu vaccine.
Currently it is not known how effective Tamiflu will be at treating or preventing flu in case of a weakened immune system.
It is also not known how effective Tamiflu will be
for treating flu in people with chronic heart or lung disease.
Avoid Tamiflu if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Use Tamiflu with caution for those with decreased kidney function.
Tamiflu is not recommended for people with severely
decreased kidney function or
people having dialysis for kidney failure.
Liquid Tamiflu contains sorbitol and may not be right
for people with a hereditary intolerance to fructose. Tamiflu capsules, however, do not
contain sorbitol.
If you feel you have
experienced an allergic reaction, stop using Tamiflu and inform your
physician or pharmacist right away.
Tamiflu Interaction
The drug maker of Tamiflu states that it should be used
with caution in people who are taking the following medicines, as Tamiflu
may possibly reduce the removal of these medicines from the body by the
kidneys:
Chlorpropamide
Methotrexate
Phenylbutazone
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