Tamiflu is a popular name among all anti-flu drugs. It is an effective drug for the treatment of illness caused by influenza infection in adults. It is also known as, oseltamivir phosphate. The drug was approved by the FDA in October 1999. It belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals, which are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Tamiflu helps in reducing common flu and bird flu symptoms such as weakness, headache, fever, cough, and sore throat within one day. It prevents influenza infection if a person has come into close contact with someone who has the flu, thus restricting flu pandemic. Tamiflu, one of the most sought after drug for treating flu is the only antiviral available for both the treatment and prevention of the most common strains of influenza types A and B.

This medication comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth. It may be taken with or without food. In adults, if taken within 36 hours of the onset of influenza, Tamiflu reduces the severity of symptoms and the duration of illness to a large extent as compared to standard care. Treatment with Tamiflu also significantly reduces hospitalizations as compared to standard care. Children can also benefit from the effectiveness of Tamiflu as it helps in reducing the severity and duration of influenza symptoms.

For best results, Tamiflu should be taken within 2 days after the onset of the symptoms. Tamiflu is generally well tolerated by its users. The most frequently reported adverse side effects are mild to moderate such as transient nausea or vomiting. Tamiflu is usually recommended for pediatric use as it’s capable of reducing the duration of influenza by 1.5 days. Tamiflu dosage is different for different patients. Along with its needed effects, all medicines have some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Some of the Tamiflu side effects include phlegm producing cough or wheezing, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. These events are generally of mild to moderate degree and usually occur on the first 2 days of administration.

Other Tamiflu side effects include abdominal or stomach pain; bloody nose or unexplained nosebleeds burning, dry or itching eyes, redness, pain, swelling of eye or eyelid, or excessive tearing, fatigue; headache; and trouble in sleeping. The WHO has advised the use of Oseltamivir for the treatment of suspected respiratory infections in cullers and farm workers involved in the mass culling. Therefore in the event of an epidemic, oseltamivir, the active ingredient of Tamiflu is supplied to national authorities in bulk for arresting flu.