It is normal for us and our children to get colds and flu. But sometimes the fever is very severe. Your body aches, and you can hardly get out of bed. When we go to see a doctor at a time like this, you may have been prescribed this medicine. It is a syrup called Oseltamivir. You may know it by the brand name Tamiflu. So, since many people do not have a clear understanding of this medicine, let's talk about it simply today.
What is Oseltamivir?
Simply put, Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication that works by controlling the spread of the influenza virus that has entered our bodies and reducing the duration of symptoms.
But there is something very important that we all need to understand here.
- This is not a medicine for the common cold. The common cold is caused by other viruses. This medicine only works for influenza, which is usually a mild flu.
- This does not work at all for bacterial infections. That means it is not an antibiotic.
- This is not a replacement for the annual flu vaccine. The vaccine is given to protect against illness before it occurs. This medicine is given as a treatment after the illness occurs.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication for you or your child, there are a few things you should be aware of. These are important for your safety.
- About other illnesses you have: You should especially mention if you have kidney disease .
- About fructose intolerance: Some people have a condition called ``Hereditary fructose intolerance''. Some of the ingredients in this medicine may be harmful to such people. Therefore, if you know of such a condition, tell your doctor .
- About other allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies, not just to Oseltamivir, but to any other medicine, food, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, inform your doctor about it.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should definitely mention that as well.
The correct way to use the medicine
It is very important to take the correct dosage, at the correct time, as prescribed by the doctor.
1. Shake well: Always shake the medicine bottle well before using it, as particles of medicine may settle to the bottom of the bottle.
2. Measure correctly: Use only the special measuring cup, oral syringe, or dropper that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use kitchen teaspoons or tablespoons for any reason. They are not accurate.
3. Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, some people may experience a slight stomach upset or nausea after taking this. If that happens, it is best to take it with a meal.
4. Complete the course: Do not stop taking the medicine after two or three days and the pain subsides. Use the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor. Otherwise, the virus remaining in the body may become strong again.
5. What if I miss a dose?: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 2 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than you think, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common. Let's break them down.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Difficulty breathing. If you have any of these, see a doctor immediately. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Confusion, seeing/hearing things that are not real (hallucinations), difficulty speaking, unusual behavior. These have been reported rarely , especially in children and young adults . If you notice any of these signs, tell your doctor immediately. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, tremors, reddening, blistering, and peeling of the skin, including around the mouth. These are very serious and require immediate hospitalization. |
| Side effects that are usually not to be feared | |
| Nausea & Vomiting | This is common. Taking the medicine with food can help reduce this. If it persists, tell your doctor . |
| Headache | It usually subsides in a day or two. If it persists, talk to your doctor. |
Take special care of children and young people.
When you have influenza, especially in children and young children, there is a small risk of confusion and unusual behavior in the early stages of the illness. As parents, we should be aware of this even when taking this medicine. Although these are very rare, if you notice a significant change in your child's behavior, talk to your doctor immediately.
How to store the medicine?
To maintain the quality of medicine, it is essential to store it correctly.
- If you have it in the fridge: After you get it from the pharmacy, put it in the fridge. But do not put it in the freezer , and do not let the liquid freeze. It can be kept this way for 17 days. Throw away any leftover medicine after 17 days.
- If stored at room temperature: This medicine can sometimes be stored at room temperature. If so, it should be used within 10 days.
Most importantly: Always keep medication out of the reach of children and pets .
Take-Home Message
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza, not the common cold or bacterial infections.
- Shake the bottle well before using the medicine and only measure the amount provided.
- Take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking it even if your symptoms have subsided.
- Especially when giving this medicine to children, be careful about any unusual changes in their behavior. If you notice anything like this, tell your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor about getting an annual vaccine.
- Store the medicine correctly and discard it after it expires.
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