About Fluvir 75 Capsule
Fluvir 75 Capsule contains Oseltamivir 75 mg. This is an antiviral medicine used to treat and prevent influenza (flu) caused by influenza A and B viruses. It works best when started within 2 days of the first flu symptoms. It does not replace the yearly flu vaccine and does not work against the common cold.
Uses of Fluvir 75 Capsule
- Treatment of flu (influenza A and B)
- Prevention of flu after close contact with someone who has it (as decided by a doctor)
Benefits
In flu
Started early, it can shorten the illness and ease symptoms such as fever and body aches. It may also lower the chance of complications in people at higher risk.
In flu prevention
Taken after contact with an infected person, it can lower the chance of catching flu.
Side effects
Nausea and vomiting are often less if you take it with food.
Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach pain
Get medical help if you notice
- Confusion, unusual behaviour, seeing or hearing things that are not there, or thoughts of self-harm (reported mainly in children and teenagers) — get medical help straight away
- Severe skin rash with blistering or peeling — stop and get medical help
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually twice a day for treatment. Swallow the capsule whole with water, ideally with food. Complete the full course even if you feel better.
How it works
It blocks an enzyme called neuraminidase that the flu virus needs to escape from infected cells and spread. This slows the spread of the virus in the body.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction is known. Rest and fluids are still important while you are unwell.
Pregnancy Caution
It may be used in pregnancy when a doctor decides the benefit outweighs any risk. Flu can be serious in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Caution
Small amounts pass into breast milk. It may be used if your doctor advises it.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect driving. Do not drive if you feel unwell or dizzy.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor may change the dose if you have kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless the next dose is due within 2 hours. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Start it as early as possible after flu symptoms begin.
- Take it with food to reduce nausea.
- Complete the full course.
- Watch children and teenagers for unusual behaviour while they are ill.
- It is not a substitute for the yearly flu vaccine.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Cyclohexene carboxylate ester (prodrug)
- Therapeutic class
- Anti-infective / antiviral
- Action class
- Neuraminidase inhibitor
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Live nasal flu vaccine | Oseltamivir may make the vaccine less effective if taken close together |
| Probenecid | Raises oseltamivir levels |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Oseltamivir phosphate prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: oseltamivir). Pharmacist review pending.