TAMIFLU (oseltamivir phosphate) is available as
capsules containing 30
mg, 45
mg,
or 75
mg oseltamivir for oral use, in the form of
oseltamivir phosphate, and as a powder
for oral
suspension, which when constituted with
water as directed contains 12 mg/mL
oseltamivir base. In addition to the active ingredient, each capsule contains pregelatinized starch, talc, povidone K 30, croscarmellose
sodium, and
sodium stearyl fumarate. The 30
mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, and red iron oxide. The 45
mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and black iron oxide. The 75
mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, and red iron oxide. Each capsule is printed with blue ink, which includes FD&C Blue No. 2 as the colorant. In addition to the active ingredient, the powder
for oral
suspension contains sorbitol, monosodium
citrate, xanthan gum, titanium dioxide, tutti-frutti flavoring,
sodium benzoate, and saccharin
sodium.
Treatment of Influenza
TAMIFLU is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection in patients 1 year and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.
Prophylaxis of Influenza
TAMIFLU is indicated for the prophylaxis of influenza in patients 1 year and older.
TAMIFLU is not a substitute for early vaccination on an annual basis as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Influenza viruses change over time. Emergence of resistance mutations could decrease drug effectiveness. Other factors (for example, changes in viral virulence) might also diminish clinical benefit of antiviral drugs. Prescribers should consider available information on influenza drug susceptibility patterns and treatment effects when deciding whether to use TAMIFLU.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:
TAMIFLU may be taken with or without food (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics). However, when taken with food, tolerability may be enhanced in some patients.
Adults and Adolescents:
The recommended oral dose of TAMIFLU for treatment of influenza in adults and adolescents 13 years and older is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. Treatment should begin within 2 days of onset of symptoms of influenza.
Pediatric Patients:
TAMIFLU is not indicated for treatment of influenza in pediatric patients younger than 1 year.
The recommended oral dose of TAMIFLU for pediatric patients 1 year and older is shown in Table 5. TAMIFLU for Oral Suspension may also be used by patients who cannot swallow a capsule. For pediatric patients who cannot swallow capsules,
TAMIFLU for Oral Suspension is the preferred formulation. If the for Oral Suspension product is not available, TAMIFLU Capsules may be opened and mixed with sweetened liquids such as regular or sugar-free chocolate syrup.