About Generic Tamiflu
Important Facts About Generic Tamiflu
Once generic tamiflu is consumed orally, it is absorbed into the body by the gastrointestinal tract. The drug is converted to an active metabolite in the liver, and then it is distributed throughout the body and particularly in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Oseltamivir prevents the spread of the infection within the airway passages and the lungs. Its maximum effectiveness is reached 3 to 4 hours after consumption.
When testing children who had taken generic tamiflu, they were found to recover from the flu illness up to 26% faster than those who did not take the drug. In adults, their recovery time was shortened up to 30%, or by an average of 1.3 days.
Oseltamivir should be taken at the same time each day so the amount of medication in your body remains at a constant level throughout the day. It is available in strengths of 30 mg, 45 mg, and 75 mg capsules or in a liquid form with 12 mg per ml. The typical adult dosage is 75 mg taken twice daily for a period of five days as a treatment for flu. When taken as a preventative measure, the usual dose in individuals over 13 years of age is 75 mg taken once daily, and it can be safely taken for up to six weeks.
You should store generic tamiflu at room temperature and away from moisture. When the liquid form of this medication is dispensed by a pharmacist, it should be discarded after 10 days.
Once you start taking generic tamiflu, you need to take the entire prescription until it is finished. If you stop the medicine because you begin to feel better but the prescription is not finished, the symptoms may return.
If you happen to take an overdose of oseltamivir, you need to seek immediate medical attention. Possible reactions include nausea and vomiting. However, if you miss a dose, then take the prescribed amount as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next scheduled dosage time, then it is okay to miss a dose and just take your regular dose. Never take a double dose of Oseltamivir in order to compensate for a missed dose.
Side effects are not common, but some people experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, when taking generic tamiflu. These symptoms usually occur within the first few days when taking the medication, and are classified as either mild or moderate. If you take food along with the oseltamivir, this may help to alleviate these side effects.
Some people experience skin rashes and allergic reactions and a doctor should be consulted if these side effects occur. Other reactions include difficulties breathing, swelling of the tongue or lips, swelling of the face, and constriction of the throat. If you experience any of these reactions, stop taking the medication immediately and go to the nearest emergency room as serious complications may occur.
Children and adolescents who are taking oseltamivir as a treatment for the flu may experience confusion, hallucinations, speech problems, anxiety, nightmares, or unusual behavior including self-injury. If this reaction occurs, a medical practitioner should be contacted immediately.
Other known side effects include difficulties sleeping, abdominal pain, bronchitis, headache, seizures, aggravation of diabetes, and dizziness.
Generic tamiflu is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing, as the effect on the baby is unknown. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, notify your doctor immediately. You should also notify your doctor of any other medications you are taking, including both prescription and non-prescription medications. This also includes any herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals, and dietary or nutritional supplements.
Generic tamiflu is not recommended for those who have or have had kidney disease or any condition that causes swelling of the brain. Notify your doctor if you have ever had any diseases that affect the immune system such as HIV or AIDS, or if you have heart, liver, lung or kidney diseases. Also, tell your doctor if you have received a nasally administered influenza vaccine within 2 weeks of treatment so side effects are avoided.