Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is a drug that can effectively be used to treat the flu (influenza). It is an anti-viral medication that is taken orally.

The history of Oseltamivir

Tamiflu Oseltamivir was licensed by the drug company Roche in 1996. It was used widely during the avian flu (H5N1) outbreak in South East Asia in 2005. As a result of the epidemic, various governments including the British government began to stockpile Tamiflu Oseltamivir to prepare for the possibility of a pandemic. While avian flu did not really affect people in the UK, another dangerous influenza outbreak was just around the corner.

Swine flu (H1N1) emerged in 2009 in Mexico. It would go on to affect huge numbers of people around the world and cause many deaths. Governments began to distribute Tamiflu Oseltamivir in order to treat people, and to stem the spread of the virus. In the UK, people who rang the National Swine Flu help line and described symptoms of the swine flu virus were given information about accessing Tamiflu Oseltamivir in order to help them recover more quickly.

Along with helping to stop people from suffering with flu, Tamiflu also helped to reduce the impact of the swine flu virus. Many countries have now seen swine flu subside. But Tamiflu Oseltamivir is still useful as a treatment for other strains of influenza. Tamiflu is the most regularly prescribed treatment for flu.

How effective is Tamiflu Oseltamivir?

Tamiflu Oseltamivir is clinically proven to help you recover 30% faster, when taken with 48 hours of flu symptoms starting to show.

How should Tamiflu Oseltamivir be taken?

Tamiflu Oseltamivir should be taken within two days of the initial onset of symptoms. One capsule needs to be taken twice daily for 5 days or for as long as prescribed. Each capsule contains a 75mg dose of Oseltamivir. Tamiflu Oseltamivir can be taken with or without food. However, there may be less chance that you will have a stomach upset if you take it with a light meal or snack. For adults who have difficulty swallowing a tablet, Tamiflu Oseltamivir is also available in liquid form.