Case Evaluation

Tamiflu: Tamiflu Overview

Tamiflu Overview

What is Tamiflu?

FDA approved Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), an oral anti-viral drug for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza in patients one year and older whose flu symptoms have not lasted more than two days. This product is approved to treat Type A and B influenza; however, the majority of patients included in the studies were infected with type A, the most common in the U.S.

Efficacy of Tamiflu in the treatment of influenza in subjects with chronic cardiac disease and/or respiratory disease has not been established. Tamiflu is also approved for the prevention of influenza in adults and children aged one year and older. Efficacy of Tamiflu for the prevention of influenza has not been established in immunocompromised patients.

Tamiflu is made by Roche Laboratories, Inc., and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 27, 1999.

Tamiflu Recent News

On November 13, 2006, Roche Laboratories and the FDA notified healthcare professionals of revisions to Tamiflu's prescribing information. Revisions were made to the PRECAUTIONS/Neuropsychiatric Events and Patient Information sections. The changes reflect news reports (mostly from Japan) of self-injury and delirium associated with the use of Tamiflu in patients with influenza. People with the flu (particularly children) may be at risk of self-injury and confusion shortly after taking Tamiflu, and should be monitored closely for signs of unusual behavior. Tamiflu patients should contact their healthcare professional immediately if they show any signs of usual behavior.

Special Warnings Concerning Tamiflu

Tamiflu's safety and effectiveness have not yet been assessed in people with chronic heart or lung disease, kidney failure, or in people with underlying high-risk medical conditions.

General Precautions with Tamiflu

  • Other kinds of infections similar to influenza (or that occur along with influenza) need different types of treatment. Contact your healthcare professional if you feel worse, if you develop new symptoms during or after treatment, or if your influenza symptoms do not start to improve.
  • Tamiflu does not replace the flu vaccine, and you should continue to receive your annual flu shot if recommended by your healthcare professional.
  • In order to prevent the spread of the flu, wash your hands frequently and avoid situations such as sharing cups and utensils.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Professional?

Tell your healthcare professional if you:

  • are allergic to Tamiflu, to any of its ingredients in its liquid form, or to any other medications
  • take or plan to take any other prescription and/or nonprescription medications, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products
  • have ever taken Tamiflu to treat or prevent the flu are immunocompromised (have HIV or AIDS)
  • are taking immunosuppressant medications such as azathioprine (lmuran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), cancer chemotherapy medications, methotrexate (Rheumatrex), sirolimus (Rapamune), oral steroids, or tacrolimus (Prograf)
  • have any type of heart, lung, or kidney disease
  • are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Dangerous Drug Case Evaluation

* First Name:
* Last Name:
* Zipcode:
* E-Mail:
* Phone:
Okay to call you at this number?
Yes No
Enter any relevant background information or case specifics so that we can best understand your situation:
To Prevent Automated Submissions, Enter the 4 Digit Number Shown Below
(OR YOU MAY CALL US DIRECTLY AT 888-375-7600)
1742

Dangerous Drug Topics

Dangerous Drug Videos

Dangerous Drug Links

Product Liability Resources