Tamiflu-Preparing for a swine flu pandemic

An Introduction to Tamiflu
Tamiflu is a prescription medication, manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals, used for the prevention or treatment of the flu. It is licensed for adults and children 1 year of age and older. The medication is not a flu vaccine, nor should it be used in place of a yearly flu vaccination. The patent for Tamiflu expires in 2016. It is expected that once it goes off-patent, several companies will begin manufacturing a generic Tamiflu drug. 

What Is It Used For?
Tamiflu has been licensed for two uses:

• Treatment of influenza (the virus that causes the flu)
  
• Prevention of influenza.
  

For Tamiflu to treat the flu, it must be taken within one to two days of the start of flu symptoms. For prevention, it must also be started as soon as possible after exposure.

The medication works by attacking the flu virus inside the body, thus preventing it from spreading. This is different from other flu medicines, which just treat symptoms of the flu. Tamiflu is part of a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. Neuraminidase (an enzyme found on the flu virus) allows the flu virus to spread. By blocking this enzyme, Tamiflu limits the virus's ability to spread.

When and How Do I Take Tamiflu?
Here are some general considerations for when and how to take it:

Tamiflu comes in either liquid or capsule form. It is taken once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions. You may take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.

• It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
  

• Shake Tamiflu suspension (liquid) thoroughly before each dose.
  

• Make sure that you complete your entire prescription of the medication, even if you start feeling better before it's finished. This will ensure that the infection is completely treated.
  

Side Effects
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Tamiflu. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well.
For adults, the most common Tamiflu side effects are:

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting.
  

In children, the most common side effect is vomiting; up to 15 percent of children experience this side effect.
Nausea and vomiting usually happen during the first couple of days of treatment, and are usually mild to moderate. Taking Tamiflu with food may help decrease the chances of developing these side effects.

Drug Interactions With Tamiflu
Tamiflu has been studied extensively in clinical trials. At this point, there are no known drug interactions with Tamiflu.

How Should Tamiflu Be Stored?
It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture. Also, keep Tamiflu and all medications out of the reach of children. Tamiflu suspension (liquid) should be discarded after ten days after it is mixed by your pharmacist.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Tamiflu as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the one you forgot and take your next dose instead. Never take a double dose.