Oseltamivir

What is oseltamivir?

Oseltamivir is a medicine that is used to treat or stop some types of influenza (flu) caused by viruses. You may hear oseltamivir called by its brand name, Tamiflu. Oseltamivir comes as a capsule and as a fruit-flavoured liquid.

Before giving oseltamivir to your child

• Tell your doctor if your child is allergic to oseltamivir or anything else in oseltamivir liquid or capsules.
• If your child is less than one year of age, consult with your doctor before giving oseltamivir.

Talk with the doctor or pharmacist if your child has any of the following conditions:

• kidney problems: Your child may need a different dose of this medicine if your child has kidney problems.
• liver problems

How should you give your child oseltamivir?

• Give your child oseltamivir exactly as your child's doctor or pharmacist tells you.
• Give your child oseltamivir for as long as the doctor tells you, even if your child seems better.
• Talk to your child's doctor or pharmacist before you stop giving this medicine for any reason.
• Give this medicine at the same time each day to prevent missed doses.
• Oseltamivir can be given with or without food. Give it with food or milk if it causes an upset stomach.
• If your child is taking liquid oseltamivir, shake the bottle well before you give your child the medicine. Measure the dose with the special spoon or syringe that the pharmacist gave you.

To treat the flu

To treat the flu, oseltamivir should be started no more than 2 days after your child gets flu symptoms (including fever, tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, or cough).

To prevent the flu

To prevent the flu, osetamivir should be started no more than 2 days after your child has been near someone with flu symptoms (including fever, tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, or cough).

What should you do if your child misses a dose of oseltamivir?

• Give the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give the next dose at the regular time.
• Do not give your child two doses to make up for one missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of oseltamivir?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take oseltamivir. Check with your child's doctor if your child continues to have any of these side effects, and they do not go away, or they bother your child:

• nosebleeds
• watery bowel movements (diarrhea)
• upset stomach, throwing up
• dizziness
• unusual tiredness
• headache

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to the Emergency Department if your child has any of these side effects:

• swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• rash or hives (red raised spots on the skin), peeling or blisters on the skin
• yellow eyes or skin, or dark-coloured urine
• changes in mood (feeling more sad, angry, or nervous) or unusual behaviour

What safety measures should you take when your child is using oseltamivir?

Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicines (prescription or non-prescription or herbal/natural products).

If your child's flu does not get better 1 or 2 days after starting the medicine, bring your child to the doctor.

What other important information should you know about oseltamivir?

• Oseltamivir does not replace the need for a yearly flu shot. Your child should still get a yearly flu shot even if he or she has taken oseltamivir.
• Oseltamivir does not treat the common cold.
• Keep a list of all medications your child is on to show the doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep oseltamivir capsules at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom or kitchen.
• Keep oseltamivir liquid in the fridge. Do not freeze this medicine.
• Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines.
  

Keep oseltamivir out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much oseltamivir, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.