Oseltamivir (
Tamiflu®) is a prescription medication used for prevention or treatment of
the flu. It is licensed for use in adults and children 1 year of age and older. This medication is not a
flu vaccine, nor should it be used in place of a yearly flu vaccination.
The Food and Drug Administration has authorized emergency use of oseltamivir for infants under one year of age for the 2009-2010 H1N1 flu season.
Oseltamivir is manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals.
What Is Oseltamivir Used For?
Oseltamivir has been licensed for two uses:
- Treatment of influenza (the virus that causes the flu)
- Prevention of influenza.
When used to treat flu, oseltamivir must be taken within one to two days of the start of
flu symptoms. When used to prevent flu, it must be started as soon as possible after exposure.
Oseltamivir has not been shown to be effective against other types of viruses, including viruses that cause the
stomach flu or
common cold. This drug is actively being studied to learn how effective it is at treating
bird flu (
avian flu).
How Does This Medication Work?
Oseltamivir works by attacking the
flu virus inside the body, thus preventing it from spreading. This is different from other
flu medicines, which just treat flu symptoms.
Oseltamivir is part of a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. Neuraminidase (an enzyme found on the flu virus) allows the flu virus to spread. By blocking this enzyme, oseltamivir keeps the virus from spreading.
