Fluvir 75: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: Fluvir, Fluvir 75 mg, Fluvir 75 capsule, Oseltamivir 75 mg
Fluvir 75 is a prescription capsule containing 75 mg of oseltamivir, an antiviral used to treat influenza (flu) and, in some people who have been in contact with a flu case, to help prevent it. It works best when started within two days of the first symptoms. It does not treat colds or other viral infections, it is not a substitute for the yearly flu vaccine, and antibiotics do not work against flu.
- Active ingredient
- Oseltamivir 75 mg
- Type of medicine
- Antivirals
- Used for
- Viral infections
- Starts working in
- Works best if started within two days of the first flu symptoms; symptoms may ease about a day sooner
- Effect lasts
- A short course of a few days for treatment; a longer course for prevention, as your doctor decides
- With or without food
- Taking it with food can reduce stomach upset; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- No specific advice was found in the sources; ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a baby or breastfeeding
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Fluvir 75 used for?
- How does Fluvir 75 work?
- How to take Fluvir 75
- Side effects of Fluvir 75
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Fluvir 75
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Fluvir 75 used for?
Fluvir 75 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat influenza and, in some people, to help prevent it.
- Treating influenza A and influenza B in people with flu symptoms, when started early (within about two days of the first symptoms)
- Helping to prevent flu in people who have been in contact with someone who has flu, when a doctor judges it suitable
How does Fluvir 75 work?
Flu viruses use an enzyme on their surface, called neuraminidase, to break free from an infected cell and spread to others. Oseltamivir blocks this enzyme in both influenza A and influenza B viruses. The virus spreads less, so the illness is usually shorter, but it does not remove the virus at once.
What happens in your body after you take it
You take the capsule
The capsule is swallowed with water. Taking it with food can reduce stomach upset.
It is changed into the active form
After absorption, the body converts oseltamivir into its active form, mostly in the liver.
It travels in the blood
The active form reaches the lungs and airways, where the flu virus is multiplying.
It blocks the virus enzyme
It blocks neuraminidase on the surface of the flu virus, so new virus particles stay stuck to the cell they were made in.
The kidneys clear it
The active form leaves the body mainly in the urine. The dose may need to change if the kidneys work less well.
How to take Fluvir 75
Take Fluvir 75 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose and how many days you need it, which differs for treatment, prevention, children and people with kidney problems.
- Start as early as possible, ideally within two days of the first flu symptoms.
- Taking it with food can reduce nausea and stomach upset.
- Finish the full course your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
- Rest, drink fluids and see a doctor again if you get worse. Antibiotics do not work against flu.
Side effects of Fluvir 75
Most people take oseltamivir without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Nausea and headache in adults and teenagers
- Vomiting, cough and a blocked nose in children
- Stomach upset, which is less likely if taken with food
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Rash, hives, blisters, mouth sores, swelling of the face or tongue, or difficulty breathing or swallowing (a severe allergic or skin reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Confusion, agitation, strange behaviour, hallucinations, seizures or thoughts of self-harm (mainly reported in children and teenagers with flu)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Fluvir 75, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to oseltamivir or any ingredient of the capsule
- Allergy to oseltamivir or any ingredient of the capsule
- Kidney disease: the dose may need to change
- Heart, lung or immune system disease: tell your doctor
- Pregnancy, planning a baby or breastfeeding: tell your doctor
- Confusion or unusual behaviour in a child or teenager with flu: families and carers should watch for it and call a doctor
- Flu vaccine: oseltamivir is not a substitute for the yearly vaccine. Ask your doctor about the live nasal spray vaccine, which it can affect
- Previous reaction to oseltamivir: tell your doctor
Medicines and things that interact with Fluvir 75
Fluvir 75 may interact with other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and medicines bought over the counter.
- Live nasal spray flu vaccine: oseltamivir can reduce its effect if taken shortly before or after it
- Other prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products: tell your doctor so that doses can be adjusted or monitoring increased
If someone takes too much
Taking extra capsules can cause nausea and vomiting. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in the original pack, away from light and moisture, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India. Single-ingredient oseltamivir is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fluvir 75 should be taken on a doctor's prescription; check the schedule printed on the pack.
Other brands with the same medicine
Oseltamivir 75 mg capsules are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Oseltamivir is also sold in other strengths and as a liquid for children.
Other strengths and forms
Oseltamivir is also sold in other capsule strengths and as a powder to make a liquid for children. The strength and form are printed on the pack and are not interchangeable, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
What is Fluvir 75 used for?
Fluvir 75 contains oseltamivir, an antiviral used on a doctor's advice to treat influenza A and B and, in some people who have been in contact with flu, to help prevent it. It does not treat colds or other viral infections.
How soon should Fluvir 75 be started?
As early as possible, ideally within two days of the first flu symptoms. See a doctor promptly rather than waiting, and follow the course the doctor gives. Starting late may give less benefit.
Does Fluvir 75 replace the flu vaccine?
No. Oseltamivir is not a substitute for the yearly flu vaccine. The vaccine helps prevent flu, while the medicine is used for early treatment or prevention after contact. Ask your doctor about vaccination.
Will antibiotics help with flu?
No. Flu is caused by a virus and antibiotics do not work against viruses. Antibiotics are used only if a doctor finds a bacterial infection as well. Do not take leftover antibiotics for flu.
Can children take Fluvir 75?
Children's doses depend on weight and age, and a doctor decides whether this capsule suits a child. Children and teenagers with flu may become confused or agitated, with or without the medicine, so carers should watch and call a doctor if this happens.
What are the common side effects of Fluvir 75?
Nausea and headache in adults, and vomiting, cough and a blocked nose in children, are common. Taking it with food can reduce stomach upset. Allergic or skin reactions and confusion are rare but need urgent medical help.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Fluvir 75?
Take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as usual. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one.
What is the difference between Fluvir 75 and oseltamivir 75 mg?
Fluvir is a brand name and oseltamivir is the medicine inside it. Generic oseltamivir 75 mg contains the same active ingredient. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Tamiflu (oseltamivir): EPAR medicine overview. European Medicines Agency
- Oseltamivir. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Influenza antiviral medications: summary for clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US)
- Flu. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: J05AH02 Oseltamivir. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)