Oseltamivir (Cont.)

When and How Do I Take Oseltamivir?

Here are some general considerations for when and how to take oseltamivir:
 
  • Oseltamivir comes in either liquid or capsule form. It is taken once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions. You may take oseltamivir with or without food. If oseltamivir upsets your stomach, take it with food.
     
  • Oseltamivir should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medication in your blood.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the oseltamivir capsules.

 

  • Shake oseltamivir suspension (liquid) thoroughly before each dose.
     
  • Make sure that you complete your entire prescription of oseltamivir, even if you start feeling better before it's finished. This will ensure that the infection is completely treated.
     

Dosage Guidelines for Oseltamivir

The dose of oseltamivir recommended by your healthcare provider will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Tamiflu Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Oseltamivir

(The side effects listed below are not a complete list of possible side effects. Your healthcare provider can give you a more complete list.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with oseltamivir. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate oseltamivir quite well.
 
For adults, the most common side effects of oseltamivir are:
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting.
     
In children, the most common side effect is vomiting; up to 15 percent of children experience this side effect.
 
Nausea and vomiting usually happen during the first couple of days of treatment, and are usually mild to moderate. Taking oseltamivir with food may help decrease the chances of developing nausea or vomiting.
 
If you develop an allergic reaction or severe skin rash, stop taking oseltamivir and call your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Tamiflu Side Effects to learn more.)
 
(Oseltamivir Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;