Roche | Tamiflu (oseltamivir)

What are the ingredients in TAMIFLU? TAMIFLU for oral suspension: monosodium citrate, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sorbitol, titanium dioxide, tutti-frutti flavoring, and xanthan gum. (oseltamivir phosphate) for oral suspension How do I give a dose of TAMIFLU for oral suspension?

Oseltamivir was discovered by scientists at Gilead Sciences using shikimic acid as a starting point for synthesis; shikimic acid was originally available only as an extract of Chinese star anise; but by 2006, 30% of the supply was manufactured recombinantly in E. coli.

The ban follows earlier cases of odd behaviour – including some suicides – in Japanese teens taking Tamiflu (see http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/dn10527). However, a large new study casts doubt over whether the drug is to blame for psychiatric problems.

Approval Date: 12/14/2000.

TAMIFLU is a prescription medicine used to treat the flu (influenza) in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 2 days. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in people 1 year and older. TAMIFLU does not prevent bacterial infections that may happen with the flu.

Is Tamiflu (oseltamivir) an antibiotic? No, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral, meaning it's used to treat viral infections, like the flu. In fact, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) only helps treat flu viruses. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are used for bacterial infections.

Oseltamivir was invented and patented by Californian company Gilead Sciences in 1996. Swiss pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche) then purchased the rights to develop and market the drug worldwide under the trade name Tamiflu.

Tamiflu interferes with the proteins the flu virus uses to reproduce, giving your immune system time to destroy it. “Tamiflu can be used to prevent infection if taken shortly after exposure,” says Dr. Allan. But if you're already sick, it's also helpful in curbing symptoms and shortening your recovery time.

Additionally, as with any medication, Tamiflu has potential side effects which may bring more harm than good. The most common of these are nausea, vomiting, and headaches that could exacerbate pre-existing conditions or lead to worsening dehydration.

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. The flu itself or oseltamivir may rarely cause serious mental/mood changes. This may be more likely in children. Tell your doctor right away of any signs of unusual behavior, including: confusion, agitation, self-injury.

Generic oseltamivir and Tamiflu® are available as a pill or liquid suspension and are FDA approved for early treatment of flu in people 14 days and older. Zanamivir is a powdered medication that is inhaled and approved for early treatment of flu in people 7 years and older.

Official answer. Tamiflu is rapidly absorbed in the stomach, which means that after taking the first dose, the drug starts working quickly to attack the flu virus and prevent it from multiplying.

Oseltamivir is used in the treatment of the infection caused by the flu virus (influenza A and influenza B). Oseltamivir may also be used to prevent and treat swine influenza A. Oseltamivir may reduce flu symptoms (weakness, headache, fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat) by 1 day.

Antibiotics fight bacteria; antivirals fight viruses. The flu is a virus, and Tamiflu is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat the flu (influenza) in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 2 days.

Most studies have shown that the medication will reduce the length of symptoms by only 12 to 24 hours, and if started after two days of symptoms, it does not help at all. It is important to keep effectiveness in mind, as expectations for Tamiflu are often very high and, frankly, overhyped.