Tamiflu

Tamiflu is a treatment that treats and prevents flu symptoms. It attacks the influenza virus, which stops it from spreading in your body.

When taken shortly after symptoms occur, it can significantly reduce the severity of flu symptoms. If you come into contact with the flu, you can take it for up to 6 weeks to prevent flu symptoms.

They are available as 75mg capsules in packs of 10 at euroClinix. All you have to do is complete a quick medical questionnaire.

Please note: Tamiflu is not a substitute for the seasonal flu vaccine.

Is Tamiflu an antibiotic?

No, Tamiflu is an antiviral. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and therefore won’t work for the flu, which is caused by a virus. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need to is risky.

The influenza virus causes the flu. You catch it from breathing in droplets infected with the virus or from touching a surface or object with the virus on it. Tamiflu targets the virus, stopping it from spreading in the body.

Tamiflu contains oseltamivir, which is an antiviral drug. It specifically works by blocking the enzymes that help the flu virus multiply and spread around the respiratory system.

Blocking these enzymes stops the virus from spreading from cell to cell and multiplying, which reduces symptoms.

How you take Tamiflu will depend on whether you’re treating or preventing the flu.

• To treat the flu - take one 75mg capsule twice daily for 5 days.
• To prevent the flu - take one 75mg capsule once daily for up to 10 days or up to 6 weeks during a flu epidemic.

The dosage above is for adults with a body weight of 41kg and above. If you are immunocompromised, you may require a longer treatment course. Consult your doctor if you are unsure.

You must complete the entire treatment course. If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for it. Skip the missed dose and continue from your next scheduled dose.

You should take each capsule whole with water. Do not break or chew the tablets. Take Tamiflu with food to prevent stomach upset.

When to start treatment with Tamiflu

You must start taking Tamiflu at the right time for it to be effective.

Start taking Tamiflu within 2 days of experiencing symptoms or contact with someone with the flu virus. If you start after 2 days or more, the virus will have spread too much for Tamiflu to be effective.

Tamiflu is safe for most people to take. However, if you have another medical condition, always check with your healthcare provider.

It is not recommended if you have severe kidney disease and are not on dialysis. You should also not take it if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

In some cases, it may be safe for you to take it, but you should consult your doctor first if you have:

• a history of kidney problems
• a condition that affects your immune system (e.g. cancer or HIV)
• a respiratory condition (e.g. asthma)
• a heart condition
• another severe medical condition that requires hospitalisation

While Tamiflu is generally safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, always check with your doctor first.

Certain medications can alter the effects of Tamiflu, so shouldn’t be taken together. Do not take Tamiflu if you take:

• certain treatments for arthritis (e.g. leflunomide or methotrexate)
• chlorpropamide - used for diabetes
• probenecid - used to treat gout

If you take any other medications not listed above, including any over-the-counter or herbal medicines, consult your doctor before using this treatment.

Like with all prescription medications, Tamiflu may cause side effects. The most common side effects should go away on their own.

Below are some of the most common side effects.

In rare cases, Tamiflu can cause serious side effects. If your side effects continue or get worse, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

For a complete list of side effects, please consult the patient information leaflet.

You can buy Tamiflu online from euroClinix. Our service is certified safe by the MHRA, GMC and GPhC. We offer a safe and secure ordering process, which includes an online consultation.

This involves a few short medical questions, which will be checked over by one of our team of doctors. If you are safe to take this medication and can benefit from it, they will issue a prescription. Our pharmacy will then dispatch your treatment for overnight delivery.