Oseltamivir Medication

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved oseltamivir (Tamiflu^®) to both treat and prevent the flu. When used to treat flu, oseltamivir must be taken within one to two days of the start of symptoms. When used to prevent flu, the medication must be started as soon as possible after exposure. Keep in mind that this drug is not a flu vaccination, nor should it replace a flu vaccination. In addition, the medicine is only effective against the influenza virus and will not work for the stomach flu, for example, or other viruses. (Click Oseltamivir to learn more about this medication, including how it works, possible side effects, factors that will affect your dose, and more.)