Oseltamivir phosphate an antiviral medication is approved for the treatment of influenza in adults and children 2 weeks of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.
Oseltamivir is indicated for the prophylaxis of influenza in adults and children >1 years of age.
Treatment with vaccination is the preferred method of routine prophylaxis against infection with influenza virus.
Uses of antivirals in order to prevent and treat influenza should be determined on the basis of official recommendations taking into consideration variability of epidemiology and the impact of the disease in different geographical areas and patient populations.
Side Effects Oseltamivir phosphate:
Oseltamivir 45 mg is generally well tolerated. The most common/possible unwanted effects are:
- Abdominal Pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Some other adverse effects such as symptoms of skin reactions include rash, flushing, itching or swelling. Symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions include dizziness or breathing problems have been reported.
Above mentioned list is not a complete list of side effects. In circumstances of any unexpected adverse effect while taking Oseltamivir, immediately seek help from your healthcare team.
Dosage of Oseltamivir:
- Oseltamivir phosphate may be taken once daily with or without food.
- This medication comes in strength as of 75 mg, 45 mg and Oseltamivir 30 mg.
- If it is taken with a light snack, milk, or a meal, possible stomach upset may be reduced.
- Oseltamivir capsules should be taken with food, so that it may enhance the tolerability in some patients.
- Take this medication only as directed by your doctor.
- Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor.
Limitations of Use:
- Not a substitute for annual influenza vaccination.
- Not recommended for patients with end-stage renal disease not undergoing dialysis.
Prevention With Oseltamivir: The therapy with oseltamivir 75 mg should begin within 2 days after coming into contact with someone with flu symptoms.
Estimated, one in ten get the flu during an outbreak, although it might vary. If someone with symptoms like flu is close to you (like someone living in your home) your chance of getting it yourself is higher.
How Does Oseltamivir Works:
Oseltamivir phosphate is a pro-drug of oseltamivir carboxylate, a potent and selective
inhibitor of influenza virus neuraminidase enzymes. Viral neuraminidase is important both for viral entry into uninfected cells and for the release of recently formed virus particles from infected cells, and the further spread of infectious virus.
The neuraminidases of influenza A and influenza B viruses inhibited by Oseltamivir carboxylate. Oseltamivir carboxylate with its concentrations, required to inhibit the enzyme activity by 50% (IC50) are in the low nanomolar range. Oseltamivir carboxylate also inhibits influenza virus infection and replication in-vitro and inhibits influenza virus replication and pathogenicity in vivo.
Oseltamivir carboxylate is effective in order to reduced the shedding of influenza A as well as influenza B virus by inhibiting the
release of infectious virus from infected cells.
Drug Interactions: Administration of LAIV (Live attenuated influenza vaccine) should be avoided within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after oseltamivir phosphate capsules use, unless medically indicated.
Oseltamivir Phosphate Price: This medication is available at the very lowest price. A respective patient must purchase Oseltamivir from any registered pharmaceutical company.
