Tamiflu
Generic Name
Oseltamivir Phosphate
Manufacturer
F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
Country
Switzerland
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| tamiflu 75 mg capsule | ৳ 299.98 | ৳ 2,999.80 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza (flu) caused by influenza A and B viruses. It works by attacking the flu virus and preventing it from spreading in the body.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Treatment: 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. Prophylaxis: 75 mg once daily for 10 days, or for up to 6 weeks during a community outbreak.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment is typically required for elderly patients with normal renal function. For those with renal impairment, follow guidelines for renal impairment.
Renal_impairment
For creatinine clearance (CrCl) >30 to ≤60 mL/min: Treatment: 30 mg twice daily for 5 days. Prophylaxis: 30 mg once daily. For CrCl ≤30 mL/min: Treatment: 30 mg once daily for 5 days. Prophylaxis: 30 mg every other day. Hemodialysis patients: Treatment: 30 mg immediately and 30 mg after every other dialysis cycle. Prophylaxis: 30 mg immediately and 30 mg after every other dialysis cycle. Peritoneal dialysis patients: Treatment: 30 mg immediately and 30 mg once weekly. Prophylaxis: 30 mg immediately and 30 mg once weekly.
How to Take
Administer orally, with or without food. Taking with food may improve tolerability in some patients and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Mechanism of Action
Oseltamivir phosphate is a prodrug that is hydrolyzed by hepatic esterases to oseltamivir carboxylate, the active metabolite. Oseltamivir carboxylate is a potent and selective inhibitor of influenza A and B virus neuraminidase, an enzyme essential for viral replication, release from infected cells, and spread within the respiratory tract.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Symptom improvement typically begins within 1-2 days of treatment initiation.
Excretion
Oseltamivir carboxylate is primarily eliminated unchanged by renal excretion (glomerular filtration and tubular secretion). Less than 20% of the oral dose is recovered as oseltamivir in urine.
Half life
Oseltamivir (prodrug): 1-3 hours; Oseltamivir carboxylate (active metabolite): 6-10 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and extensively converted to the active metabolite, oseltamivir carboxylate, primarily by hepatic esterases. Oral bioavailability of oseltamivir carboxylate is approximately 75%.
Metabolism
Oseltamivir is extensively metabolized to its active form, oseltamivir carboxylate, primarily by hepatic esterase hydrolysis. No further metabolism of oseltamivir carboxylate occurs.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to oseltamivir phosphate or any component of the formulation.
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Co-administration with probenecid results in approximately a two-fold increase in exposure to oseltamivir carboxylate due to competition for renal tubular secretion. This generally does not necessitate dosage adjustment.
Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)
Tamiflu may reduce the efficacy of LAIV. Avoid administering Tamiflu for 48 hours before LAIV administration and for two weeks after LAIV administration.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Information on acute overdose is limited. Symptoms observed in clinical trials included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. In rare cases, overdose has led to more severe neuropsychiatric events.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Oseltamivir and its active metabolite are excreted in breast milk; caution advised when administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to oseltamivir phosphate or any component of the formulation.
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Co-administration with probenecid results in approximately a two-fold increase in exposure to oseltamivir carboxylate due to competition for renal tubular secretion. This generally does not necessitate dosage adjustment.
Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)
Tamiflu may reduce the efficacy of LAIV. Avoid administering Tamiflu for 48 hours before LAIV administration and for two weeks after LAIV administration.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Information on acute overdose is limited. Symptoms observed in clinical trials included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. In rare cases, overdose has led to more severe neuropsychiatric events.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Oseltamivir and its active metabolite are excreted in breast milk; caution advised when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2 to 5 years, depending on the manufacturer and specific formulation. Refer to the product packaging for exact expiry.
Availability
Worldwide, in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by FDA/DGDA
Patent Status
Patent expired for original molecule; generic versions available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of oseltamivir in reducing the duration and severity of influenza symptoms and in preventing influenza when used for prophylaxis. Studies also support its use in various age groups including pediatric and elderly populations.
Lab Monitoring
- No routine laboratory monitoring is required for patients receiving oseltamivir.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize early initiation (within 48 hours) for optimal treatment outcomes in symptomatic patients.
- Counsel patients/caregivers on monitoring for neuropsychiatric events, particularly in pediatric patients, and to seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms occur.
- Renal dose adjustments are critical in patients with impaired kidney function; ensure accurate creatinine clearance calculation.
Patient Guidelines
- Start treatment as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of flu symptom onset, for best results.
- Complete the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve earlier, to ensure full viral clearance.
- Report any unusual behavior or severe side effects, especially neuropsychiatric symptoms, to your healthcare provider immediately.
- Tamiflu is not a substitute for flu vaccination. Continue to receive your annual flu shot.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose (within 2 hours of the next scheduled dose). Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Oseltamivir may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some individuals. Patients should be cautioned about driving or operating machinery until they are reasonably certain that Tamiflu does not adversely affect their ability to do so.
Lifestyle Advice
- Practice good hand hygiene (frequent hand washing) to help prevent the spread of influenza.
- Avoid close contact with sick people and stay home when you are sick to prevent transmitting the virus to others.
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