Oseltamivir: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Oseltamivir?

Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug that prevents and treats viruses in the body. It helps treat influenza A and B viruses in infants (two weeks older and above), children and adults. Oseltamivir medicine further prevents the flu if you have been exposed to an influenza patient or are in a situation where there is a flu outbreak in your city.

It hinders the action of neuraminidase (virus-produced enzyme), which encourages its spread from unhealthy cells to healthy ones. This way, we can minimize the symptoms and duration of the flu.

What are the uses of Oseltamivir?

Oseltamivir comes under the neuraminidase inhibitor class of drugs. It is an effective medicine to prevent and treat influenza A and B viruses in infants, adults and children. If you have been experiencing flu symptoms for less than two days, your doctor may prescribe Oseltamivir. 

This medication will help relieve severe flu symptoms like cough, stuffy nose, fever/chills, aches, sore throat, tiredness, joint aches, etc. However, if you have been exposed to another patient, Oseltamivir will prevent you from catching the flu.

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    What are the side effects of Oseltamivir?

    Oseltamivir may not suit every patient. Some of the usual side effects include:

    • Nausea
    • Headache
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Stomach pain

    Some severe side effects can include:

    • Sudden mood swings include confusion, self-injury, and agitation.
    • Severe allergic reactions like swelling, itching or rashes on the tongue, face or throat, etc. 
    • Mouth sores
    • Hallucinations
    • Speech problems

    General symptoms will go away on their own with time. But, if you face severe symptoms, talk to your doctor in detail.

    What is Oseltamivir

    Uses of Oseltamivir

    Side effects of Oseltamivir

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Oseltamivir

    The Oseltamivir dose will be different in the case of prevention and treatment of the flu. On consumption, it gets well-absorbed in the stomach and attacks the virus by preventing its spread. Usually, most people experience flu symptoms for three to seven days. However, with Oseltamivir your recovery period will be reduced by a day or two.

    Yes, you can consume Tylenol with Oseltamivir. Tylenol is an acetaminophen type medicine that treats mild fever and several kinds of pain. To date, there are no interactions between both the medications, which is why it is considered safe. Before consuming any medicine with Oseltamivir, consult your doctor in detail.

    Yes, you can consume Ibuprofen with Oseltamivir phosphate. Ibuprofen relieves inflammation, pain and fever. Sometimes Oseltamivir causes nausea and upset GI that we can manage with a dose of Ibuprofen. There are no interactions between both medicines, but consult your doctor before consuming them together.

    Yes, Oseltamivir is a safe medicine to consume after a doctor’s prescription. If you overdose or take another medication with it, it can result in severe side effects. When taken in the correct dosage at the right time, it will show positive results. Always consult a doctor and talk about your medical history and all related things in detail.

    Patients that took Oseltamivir didn’t report sleepiness or drowsiness as a side effect. But, if you are feeling sleepy, it might be because of the virus. One of the symptoms of flu includes drowsiness that a lot of patients experience. If there’s anything that looks abnormal to you, consult your doctor.

    Yes, Oseltamivir phosphate reduces fever as a part of its effect on the flu symptoms. One of the usual symptoms of influenza A and B virus is fever. Oseltamivir hampers the spread of the virus and reduces symptoms like fever, stuffy nose, aches, joint pain, etc. If your fever doesn’t go away after the dose, talk to your doctor.

    To date, there are no interactions between alcohol consumption and Oseltamivir. Doctors do not recommend alcohol during any sickness. Alcohol weakens your immune system and can adversely affect the side effects of the flu. If you have the flu and take Oseltamivir, avoid alcohol for a few days.

    Yes, both Oseltamivir and Tamiflu are the same things. While Oseltamivir is a medicine composition, Tamiflu is the brand that sells it. You will see both the terms on any medicine pack. Besides, you might find other brands that sell Oseltamivir for flu symptoms.

    Oseltamivir is a fast-absorbent drug. After consumption, it is well-absorbed by the GI tract and converted into Oseltamivir Carboxylate (OC). After 30 minutes of an oral dose, we can detect OC in the blood. The peak levels of OC take about three to four hours in the body.

    There are almost 12 brands that sell Oseltamivir 75 mg tablets in a pack of 10 tablets/capsules. These brands include OLSIVIR 75MG CAP, ANTIFLU 75MG CAP, TAMIFLU 75MG CAP, MCOSVIR 75GM CAP, etc. The cost of Oseltamivir may vary among each brand. The average price lies between Rs 400 and Rs 700 in India.

    You can consult our doctors at Yashoda Hospitals if you have flu symptoms. Our doctors are just an appointment away to help you bid farewell to your problems.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Antiflu Oseltamivir 75mg Capsule
    2. Fluvir Oseltamivir 75mg Capsule
    3. Antiflu Oseltamivir 10mg Syrup
    4. Olsivir Oseltamivir 75mg Capsule
    5. Fluhalt Oseltamivir 75mg Capsule