Flu/Birdflu

Patient Information

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that can alleviate and help shorten the symptoms of flu.

This is the drug chosen by the government and WHO (World Health Organisation). Various governments are currently stockpiling Tamiflu for key workers as protection for bird flu.

The Immunisation and Medical Centre

19 St John Street Manchester M3 4DS Tel: 0870 161 0007

144 Harley Street London W1G 7LD Tel: 0870 161 0009

Tamiflu Dosage

Adults              2 x 75mg capsules per day for 5 days ie 10 capsules

Adults and children over 40kgs or 13 yrs+ must start to take the course within 48hrs of flu symptoms

Children           Powdered suspension for children 15kg+

Tamiflu is not indicated for treatment of influenza in paediatric patients younger than 1 year.
Child must be older than 12 months (Dosage depends on weight - see chart below).

The recommended oral dose of TAMIFLU oral suspension for paediatric patients 1 year and older or adult patients who cannot swallow a capsule is:

What is it used for?
- Prevention of flu (influenza) in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and over who have been in contact with someone diagnosed with flu when it is circulating in the community
- Treatment of flu (influenza) in adults and children over one year of age when the influenza virus is circulating in the community

How should Tamiflu be used?
To provide any benefit, Tamiflu must be started within two days of the onset of symptoms, or exposure to the flu. If you have the flu, continue taking it twice daily for 5 days, even if you start to feel better. To prevent the flu, take it once a day for at least 7 days. Protection lasts as long as you take the drug. The capsules have an expiry date of 2010 and can be used up to that time.

How does Tamiflu work?
This medicine contains the active ingredient oseltamivir phosphate, which is a type of medicine called a neuraminidase inhibitor. It is used to treat and prevent infection with the influenza virus (flu).
Flu is caused by a highly contagious virus which affects the respiratory system. The virus is passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. When the virus enters the body it invades cells, where it replicates to form lots of new virus particles.
These new copies of the virus are then released from the cells and move on to infect adjoining cells, where the process is repeated. After a couple of days a sufficient number of cells have been infected so that the patient feels flu symptoms such as headache, fever and general aches and pains, which continue for about a week until the body's immune system kills the virus.
In order to leave one cell and infect another, the flu virus uses a chemical helper that is found on its surface. This substance is an enzyme called neuraminidase. Tamiflu works by binding to the enzyme and stopping the release. This prevents the flu virus from spreading and infecting other cells.
Tamiflu therefore confines the infection to a smaller area. This makes the symptoms of the infection less severe and also makes it is easier for the body's immune system to kill the virus.

Tamiflu is only effective against the influenza virus. It will not work against illnesses that are caused by other agents

Warning and Caution
• This medicine is not recommended for people with severely decreased kidney function.
• The safety and efficacy of this medicine for treating influenza in children under one year of age has not been established. In addition, the safety and efficacy of this medicine for preventing influenza in children aged 12 years and under has not been established.
• Our clinic recommends that flu vaccinations should be given and that Tamiflu is not an alternative to the common flu vaccination.

Liquid Suspension
If Tamiflu upsets your stomach, try taking it with food. Shake the liquid
suspension before each use.

Pregnancy and Tamiflu and Flu Vaccines
There are no controlled studies in women available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. Consultation with the clinic or GP is necessary

Post Vaccination
The most common side effects are coughing, dizziness, headache, difficulty sleeping, nausea and vomiting. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following uncommon side effects: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, skin rash, infection and inflammation of the sinuses and chest.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?
The manufacturer of this medicine states that it should be used with caution in people who are taking the following medicines: chlorpropamide, methotrexate, phenylbutazone

Tamiflu can be taken at the same time as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. It is unlikely that this medicine will interact with other medicines. However you should tell us what medicines you are using.

When you miss a dose
Take it as soon as possible. If it is within two hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.

Flu Vaccinations (manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur and GSK)
We offer paediatric flu vaccines to children (the NHS will give these free to children with asthma). 6-35 months 2 doses 6 weeks apart.

Healthcare Commission and Complaints

We have been inspected and have our registration from Healthcare Commission. Should you have any complaints about conduct or service, please contact us first on 0870 161 0007/0009 and we will respond to you within 2 days (you can also request our complaints policy by telephone or from www.childrensimmunisation.com) We welcome any suggestions that may help us improve our service. If you wish to contact the HcC, their number is 020 74489200. A summary of the inspection report will also be available from HcC at Peter House, Oxford Street, Manchester M1 5AX.