Oseltamivir indications and usage
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sheng Shi, M.D. [2]
Indications And Usage
Treatment of Influenza
TAMIFLU is indicated for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated illness due to influenza infection in patients 2 weeks of age 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.
Limitations of Use
The following points should be considered before initiating treatment or prophylaxis with TAMIFLU:
- Efficacy of TAMIFLU in patients who begin treatment after 48 hours of symptoms has not been established.
- TAMIFLU is not a substitute for early influenza vaccination on an annual basis as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
- There is no evidence for efficacy of TAMIFLU in any illness caused by agents other than influenza viruses types A and B.
- 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.[1]
References
Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.