Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)
Oseltamivir (also called generic tamiflu) is the primary prescription medicine used to in the treatment or prevention of the Influenza virus A or Influenza virus B. This medication belongs to a class called neuraminidase inhibitors, and it works by stopping the spread of the flu virus in the body.
Oseltamivir can be safely used in both children over one year of age and in adults, but it should not be used as a replacement for an annual flu vaccine, which is the best preventative measure currently available to fight against the flu.
Receiving an annual flu vaccine is important for those people with high risk complications associated with contracting the flu such as the elderly, those with chronic diseases or low immune systems, and those people who live with or care for those high-risk individuals. Children between the ages of six months and twenty-four months are also considered high-risk groups. An annual flu vaccination is now recommended as a preventative measure for all children over 6 months up to 18 years of age.
One of the problems associated with the flu vaccine is the viral strain of flu outbreak may not match the strain the vaccine was developed to prevent. However, the antibodies in the vaccine may provide some protection against different but related strains. This means the severity of the infection will be less and flu-related complications will be prevented.
Some of the people who cannot take the flu shot include those with allergies to eggs or those who have had a prior allergic reaction to a flu shot. Oseltamivir can offer an alternative form of preventative medicine to these groups of people, but it does not prevent bacterial infections that can result from flu complications.
When taking generic tamiflu as a treatment for the flu, the medication needs to be taken within one to two days after the onset of flu symptoms. The earlier the medication is taken, the better the results in treating the flu. When used as a preventative medication, generic tamiflu should be taken as early as possible after exposure to the flu virus.
Oseltamivir has not been effective in treating other ailments, such as the stomach flu or the common cold, although testing is currently being conducted on its treatment for the bird flu or avian flu. Oseltamivir is not recommended for those people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as breathing difficulties may result.
Oseltamivir works by attacking the flu virus inside the body and stops the spread of the disease, rather than just treating its symptoms as other medications do. Oseltamivir is an inhibitor of an enzyme found on the flu virus called neuraminidase. By blocking this enzyme, the flu virus is not allowed to spread inside the body. The flu symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, fever and chills, will be less severe and shortened in time when taking generic tamiflu.
Generic tamiflu is available as either a powder/liquid or capsule form and can be taken with or without food. If upset stomach occurs, then take the drug with food. Oseltamivir can be taken as either a treatment for flu symptoms or to prevent the flu. It should be taken either once or twice a day, depending on the instructions of your medical practitioner. The recommended dosage will depend on your age and medical condition.