Oseltamivir

(oh sel TAM i vir)

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to oseltamivir or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop or treat the flu.

How does this drug work?

• Oseltamivir works to harm the virus and fight the infection.

How is this drug given?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss giving your child doses.
• Give as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.
• Start this drug within 2 days of flu signs (these include fever, cough, headache, feeling tired, weak muscles, or sore throat).
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• There is a liquid (suspension) if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Only use the measuring device that comes with this liquid drug.
• The measuring device that comes with the liquid will be in milliliters (mL) amounts. Read drug label carefully and call your doctor if the label amount does not match the measuring device amounts.
• Children who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.
• Have your child drink lots of noncaffeine liquids every day unless told to drink less liquid by your child's doctor.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• This drug is not to be given in place of a flu shot. If your child's doctor told you your child needs the flu shot, your child needs to get it.
• This drug does not treat the common cold.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has liver disease, talk with the doctor.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Feeling dizzy. Have your child get up slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Have your child be extra careful climbing stairs.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Headache.
• Feeling tired or weak.

What do I need to watch for when my child is using this drug?

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted side effects of this drug.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a change in thinking clearly and with logic.
• If your child has problems with how he/she acts.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store capsules at room temperature.
• Protect capsules from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Store liquid in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any part not used after 17 days.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.