Microsoft word - tcom 6090 port patient ins revised 2-05.doc

Patient Information
TAMIFLU
Roche Laboratories, Inc.
(oseltamivir phosphate)
Capsules and Syrup

These pages contain information about TAMIFLU® (TAM-uh-floo). Read them
before you start taking the medicine. If you have any questions, you should speak to your health care provider or doctor. Only they will be able to know if Tamiflu® is

What is TAMIFLU®?

Tamiflu® works in two ways:
• It attacks the flu virus and stops if from spreading inside your body. This can shorten the illness if you already have the flu. • It can reduce the chances of catching the flu if there is an outbreak in your community or if you have been around people who have the flu.
Tamiflu® does not treat the symptoms of the flu.

What is the “flu?”
“The flu” is an illness caused by the influenza virus. The virus is not the same as a cold virus. People who get the flu usually have a high fever (100° to 103° in adults, sometimes higher in children), severe muscle aches, headache, extreme tiredness and cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose. The flu is a much more serious illness than a cold, and lasts longer. Flu outbreaks usually happen once a year in the fall and winter and may spread through the community. Every year, many people die of the
Do I still need a flu shot?
The flu shot is the very best way to keep from getting the flu. You cannot catch the flu from the shot. You should get the flu shot every year as your health care provider 7/17/04

Who should NOT take TAMIFLU®?
Tell your health care provider if you have any of these conditions: • You are allergic to the main ingredient, oseltamivir phosphate or other • You are taking any other medicine, including herbal supplements. • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The effects of TAMIFLU® on unborn babies or infants are not known.
• You have any type of kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease, or any
How do I take TAMIFLU®?
It is VERY important that you begin taking TAMIFLU® as soon as possible after
you are exposed to the flu or after symptoms start. If you start to feel worse or get new symptoms after you start taking TAMIFLU®, tell your health care provider
• To prevent the flu

Take TAMIFLU® one time a day for at least 7 days or as long as your doctor
says. It is possible to take TAMIFLU® up to 6 weeks if there is an outbreak in
• If you have the flu

Take TAMIFLU® 2 times a day for 5 days, once in the morning and once in
the evening. Take all 10 doses (capsules or syrup), even if you feel better.
Should I take TAMIFLU® with or without food?
You can take it with or without food. If you have any stomach upset, you can take it
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you forget to take a dose of your medicine, take it as soon as you remember it. BUT: If it is 2 hours or less before your next dose, skip it. Take the next dose at the right time. DO NOT take 2 doses at one time to catch up. If you miss more than 2 7/17/04
What are the possible side effects of TAMIFLU®?
The most common side effects of TAMIFLU® are nausea and vomiting. They are
usually mild to moderate. They usually happen in the first 2 days of taking the medicine. Taking TAMIFLU® with food may reduce the chance of getting these
If you notice any other side effects, tell your health care provider.
How should TAMIFLU® be stored?
• TAMIFLU® capsules should be stored at room temperature below 77° F (25°
C) in a dry place. Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children. • TAMIFLU® liquid suspension should be stored in the refrigerator at 36° F to

General advice about prescription medicines:
• Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not in patient • Do not use TAMIFLU® for a condition it was not prescribed for.
• Do not give TAMIFLU® to other people, even if they have the same
symptoms as you. It may not be right for them • Follow the instructions of your health care provider concerning medicine use
How do I take TAMIFLU® liquid?
If you are taking TAMIFLU® liquid, your pharmacist will give you a small plunger
to draw the medicine out of the bottle. The plunger has 3 dose marks on it. You should follow your health care provider’s orders on which dose to take. Instructions below show how to fill the plunger. If you have any questions about how to do it, ask 7/17/04
Directions for Dispensing TAMIFLU® syrup:
1. Shake closed bottle well for about 5 seconds before each use. 3. Grasp oral dispenser and push the plunger all the way to the tip. 4. Insert tip of oral dispenser into the hole in the bottle adapter 5. Turn the entire unit (the bottle and the oral dispenser) upside down 6. Pull the plunger out slowly until the right amount of medicine is pulled into the oral dispenser tube (see figure below). The 75-mg dose requires filling the dispenser two times – once to the 30-mg mark, and the second time to the 45-mg. mark. 8. Remove the oral dispenser slowly from the bottle. 9. Squirt medicine directly into mouth. Do not mix with other liquid. 10. If you need to dispense another portion, repeat steps 3-9. 12. Take the dispenser apart, rinse under running tap water and air dry.

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