Oseltamivir is used to treat and prevent symptoms caused by the influenza (flu) virus. It works by stopping the influenza virus from multiplying in your body and reduces the symptoms of the flu. It also reduces the risk of other problems that can sometimes occur alongside flu, such as pneumonia. In New Zealand, oseltamivir is only funded for some people in hospital with a weakened immune system who are at higher risk of getting the complications of the flu. Others will need to pay the full cost. It is not free on prescription. Oseltamivir is available as capsules or a liquid suspension.
To treat influenza
If you already have signs and symptoms of the flu, oseltamivir helps to reduce symptoms such as fever, chills, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, aches and tiredness. It shortens the time to recover from the flu by 12 to 24 hours.
- Oseltamivir can reduce the chance of illnesses that may occur as a result of the flu (called complications), such as pneumonia. People at higher risk of complications include:
- pregnant women
- adults aged 65 years or older and residents of nursing homes
- people with chronic disease, immunosuppression (taking medicines that weaken the immune system) or chronic respiratory condition such as asthma.
- Oseltamivir is best started within an hour or two of the first symptoms of the flu, but it can still be effective after this time, as long as it is started within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
To prevent influenza
Oseltamivir may also be used in some high-risk people to prevent the flu if you have come into contact with someone who already has the flu (such as a sick household member) or if there is a flu outbreak in the community.
- To prevent influenza, oseltamivir is best started within 2 days of coming into contact with someone with the flu.
- The best way to protect against getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. Oseltamivir is not a substitute for the flu vaccine.
