Tamiflu

Active Ingredients:

• Oseltamivir

How does Tamiflu work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Tamiflu is an antiviral preparation. The active ingredient of the preparation Oseltamivir works by selectively inhibiting neuraminidase enzyme of the flu virus that are important in the process of virus release from the infected cells. The active metabolit of the preparation effectively inhibits growth of the virus and its replication decreasing overall pathogenicity of the virus.

Which conditions are treated with Tamiflu?

The drug is normally indicated in treatment of Flu virus infections:

• Flu virus type A infection
• Flu virus Type B infection
• Flu virus type H1N1 infection

What should a patient know before using Oseltamivir?

The Tamiflu should not be used in cases of:

• Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and a known allergic reaction to other antiviral preparations of the same class.
• Children under 12 years of age

The drug should be used with caution during:

• Pregnancy
• Lactation period

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The side effects of Oseltamivir include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal disturbance, pain
• Headaches
• Hepatitis
• Allergic reactions
• Steven-Johnson syndrome and anaphylactic shock in rare cases
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Arrhythmia
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Diabetes aggravation
• Hemorrhagic colitis

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Tamiflu?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Flu vaccines
• Uricosuric drugs
• Immunosuppressors
• Other antiviral drugs

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient: Oseltamivir is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.