Tamiflu
(oseltamivir)
75 mg capsule
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE
Tamiflu is an antiviral
This information below is intended to help you answer some basic questions about the flu. However, this information cannot take the place of a discussion between you and your doctor or pharmacist.
WHAT IS THE FLU?
The flu or influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by type A and type B influenza viruses. It is most common in autumn and winter. The flu is highly contagious, the virus usually enters the body through mucous membranes in the mouth, nose or eyes. When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne and can be inhaled by anyone nearby.
In most communities, it is school-age children who are the first to get the flu, and then carry it home and to other group activities. In a mild flu season, about 10% to 15% of the population becomes infected. In a more severe flu season, 20% or more of the population can suffer from the flu.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THE FLU?
Know the clues to flu .... As soon as you feel the sudden onset of these symptoms, ask your doctor about prescription pills that attack the flu virus itself, not just the symptoms
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FLU AND A COLD?
Both the flu and a cold are viral infections and can cause symptoms such as coughing and a sore throat. A cold is a minor viral infection of the nose and throat. The flu, however, is usually more severe, with higher fevers and the addition of aches and pains. Because of its sudden onset, many people describe feeling 'like they have been hit by a truck'.
| Signs & Symptoms | Flu | Cold |
| Onset | Sudden | Gradual |
| Fever | Characteristic,high
(over 37 C), lasting 3-4 days | Rare |
| Cough | Dry, can become severe | Hacking |
| Headache | Prominent | Rare |
| Muscle Aches & Pains | Usual, often severe | Slight |
| Tiredness & Weakness | Can last up to 2-3 weeks | Very mild |
| Extreme exhaustion | Early & prominent | Never |
| Chest discomfort | Common | Mild to moderate |
| Stuffy nose | Sometimes | Common |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Usual |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common |
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO AVOID GETTING THE FLU?
VACCINES
To help prevent getting the flu, or to lessen the severity of the flu, you should get a flu shot each autumn. The Flu vaccine is recommended, and is free, for all people 65 years and over, and for people under 65 years with a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes or kidney problems. Please consult your doctor or practice nurse about more information about the vaccine. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET THE FLU?
YOU HAVE 48 HOURS TO TACKLE THE FLU WITH TAMIFLU!
Doctors can write you a prescription for a pill called TAMIFLU. TAMIFLU is used to treat the flu and belongs to a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. These medicines attack the influenza virus and prevent it from spreading inside your body and to other people. TAMIFLU successfully tackles the cause of the influenza infection, rather than masking the symptoms.
TAMIFLU represents a medical breakthrough, being the first time a pill with the power to stop the flu will be available in New Zealand
Unlike over-the-counter medications that only mask the symptoms of influenza, TAMIFLU is an antiviral agent that targets the actual influenza virus, and stops it from replicating and spreading from cell to cell.
The medication, which belongs to a new class of drug called neuraminidase inhibitors, targets one of the two major surface structures on the influenza virus, the neuraminidase protein. The receptor site on this protein is virtually identical in all common strains of influenza. By blocking neuraminidase activity, TAMIFLU is able to prevent other healthy cells from being infected. With fewer infected cells the patient doesn't become as severely ill and is more easily and more rapidly able to recover from the infection.
TAMIFLU is the first ORAL neuraminidase inhibitor and is available as a capsule for oral use.
TAMIFLU has been studied in clinical trials involving over 7000 patients worldwide, and can significantly reduce the duration and the severity of the influenza illness. TAMIFLU can also reduce the risk of developing a secondary complication by 50%. The real benefit to patients involves getting back to normal daily activities up to 3 days faster.
For Tamiflu to be effective, flu sufferers need to see their doctor and receive their prescription within 48 hours of falling ill. The recommended dose is 75 mg, twice daily for five days.
Taking TAMIFLU means that you feel better faster!
- TAMIFLU should be taken within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms
- Is an easy to take pill, significantly reducing the duration and severity of your flu
- Getting you back to your normal daily activities 2-3 days earlier - a real benefit to anyone with a busy and
hectic schedule. - The benefits of TAMIFLU are also apparent as soon as 24 hours after taking the medication.
- You will also be 50% less likely to develop secondary complications often associated with the flu, such as bronchitis,pneumonia and sinusitis.
So, if you think you have the flu, consult your doctor within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms and ask if TAMIFLU is right for you.
TAMIFLU (oseltamivir 75mg capsule) is a Prescription Medicine for the treatment of the flu. Use strictly as directed and if symptoms continue or you have side effects consult your doctor. Ask if TAMIFLU is right for you.
TAMIFLU will cost $75 per 5 day course of 10 capsules with one 75mg capsule taken twice daily for 5 days.
NB: You should continue to have your normal flu vaccination, as TAMIFLU is not a substitute for the flu vaccine.
Not for children under 12 years. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, over 65 years of age, have kidney disease, chronic heart or lung disease discuss with your doctor prior to starting a course. Not all viral illness is caused by the flu virus.
Most common unwanted effects are nausea and vomiting. (Take TAMIFLU with food to reduce the likelihood of these).
TAMIFLU is a prescription medicine for the treatment of influenza and is available only on prescription from your doctor.
