Antiflu (Oseltamivir 75mg)

Antiflu general information

What is Antiflu used for?

Antiflu capsules 75mg are used for treatment of uncomplicated illness due to influenza A and B infection in adults and children, who have had flu symptoms for no more than two days when influenza is in the community; also for prophylaxis (preventing infection) of influenza infection in adults and children one year and older.  Influenza is a viral infection that is transmitted by inhaling droplets containing live virus particles in the aerosol produced by coughs and sneezes from an infected person.  Once the virus is inhaled into your airways, it replicates and spreads to cause the infection with symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, cough and extreme tiredness.  Antiflu capsules 75mg can help reduce the risk of catching flu if you are exposed to the infection, or if you already have the flu, it can help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and also reduce the risk of you developing complications due to secondary bacterial infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.  Antiflu capsules 75mg are not the same as a vaccine for the flu, which you may also be recommended to have for certain strains of influenza; also Antiflu capsules 75mg are not effective against other viral infections. 

How does Antiflu work?

Antiflu capsules 75mg contain oseltamivir phosphate, a prodrug that is converted to its active form oseltamivir carboxylateby the liver.  Oseltamivir in Antiflu capsules 75mg is a potent and selective inhibitor of the influenza virus neuraminidase enzymes, which are glycoproteins found on the virion (viral cell) surface.  The viral neuraminidase plays an important role in allowing the virus to enter and infect host cells (cells of your respiratory tract) as well as allowing newly formed virus particles to be released from infected cells after it has replicated, and promoting the further spread of infectious virus.  Inhibition of influenza virus neuraminidase by oseltamivir in Antiflu capsules 75mg confines the infection until your immune system is activated and kills the virus, reducing flu symptoms and preventing infection of surrounding uninfected cells.  This prevents new virus particles being released and further spread of infectious virus.  Antiflu capsules 75mg are effective against influenza viruses of types A, which infect species other than humans and cause the pandemic infections such as H1N1 (known as swine flu) and types B, which are less common and usually only infect humans.

What does Antiflu contain?

Antiflu capsules 75mg contain the active ingredient oseltamivir phosphate, an antiviral drug that is used to treat and prevent influenza infection. 

Treating influenza with Antiflu

Antiflu capsules 75mg contain oseltamivir that is used to treat and prevent influenza infection which is a viral infection that is transmitted by inhaling droplets containing live contagious virus particles in the aerosol produced by coughs and sneezes from an infected person.  Once the virus is inhaled into your airways, it replicates and spreads to cause the infection with symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, cough and extreme tiredness.  Oseltamivir in Antiflu capsules 75mg is a potent and selective inhibitor of the influenza virus neuraminidase enzyme, which plays an important role in allowing the virus to enter and infect host cells (cells of your respiratory tract) as well as allowing it to be released from infected cells after it has replicated.  Inhibition of influenza virus neuraminidase by oseltamivir in Antiflu capsules 75mg confines the infection until your immune system is activated and kills the virus, reducing flu symptoms and preventing infection of surrounding uninfected cells thereby preventing new virus particles being released and further spread of infectious virus.  Antiflu capsules 75mg are effective against influenza viruses of types A, which infect species other than humans and cause the pandemic infections such as H1N1 (known as swine flu) and types B, which are less common and usually only infect humans.   

What are the side effects of Antiflu?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Antiflu capsules 75mg include gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion), headache, dizziness, fatigue, generalised pain, sore throat.

When should Antiflu not be used?

You should not use Antiflu capsules 75mg if you:

• are allergic to oseltamivir or any ingredients in Antiflu
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have kidney disease, without discussion with your doctor
• have been given a live attenuated influenza vaccine flu vaccine within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after administration of Antiflu, inactivated influenza vaccine can be administered at any time

How should Antiflu be taken?

You should take your Antiflu capsules 75mg twice daily, with or without food, to treat symptoms of flu infection.  You should start taking your Antiflu capsules 75mg as soon as possible but at least within 48 hours of developing symptoms and continue taking them for 5 days.  For flu prevention you should take your Antiflu capsules 75mg once daily, with or without food, for 10 days and you should start taking your Antiflu capsules 75mg within 48 hours of being exposed to someone who has influenza infection.  You should continue to take your Antiflu capsules 75mg for up to 6 weeks during an outbreak of flu in the community.  For babies and young children oral suspension of Antiflu should be used.

How long should you take Antiflu?

You should continue to take your Antiflu capsules 75mg for as long as recommended by your doctor; for treatment of flu the course is usually 5 days and for prevention the course is usually 10 days.  You should complete your course of Antiflu capsules 75mg, even if you feel better.

Missed dose of Antiflu

If you miss a dose of Antiflu capsules 75mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Antiflu be stored?

You should store your Antiflu capsules 75mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.