TAMIFLU
Antiviral Influenza treatment
Tamiflu is an antiviral medicine used to treat the flu.
This information below is intended to help you answer some basic questions
about the flu. However, this information cannot take the place of a discussion
between you and your doctor or pharmacist.
WHAT IS THE FLU?
The flu or influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by type A and
type B influenza viruses. It is most common in autumn and winter.
The flu is highly contagious, the virus usually enters the body through
mucous membranes in the mouth, nose or eyes. When a person with the flu
coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne and can be inhaled by anyone
nearby.
In most communities, it is school-age children who are the first to get
the flu, and then carry it home and to other group activities. In a mild
flu season, about 10% to 15% of the population becomes infected. In a
more severe flu season, 20% or more of the population can suffer from
the flu.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THE FLU?
-The flu has these characteristics: Sudden onset
-Fever and chills
-Dry Cough
-Muscle aches and pains
-Headache
-Tiredness and weakness
-Extreme exhaustion
-Chest discomfort
As soon as you feel the sudden onset of these symptoms, ask your doctor
about prescription pills that attack the flu virus itself, not just the
symptoms
You have 48 hours to tackle the flu with Tamiflu.
- Doctors can write you a prescription for a pill called TAMIFLU. TAMIFLU
is used to treat the flu and belongs to a group of medicines called neuraminidase
inhibitors. These medicines attack the influenza virus and prevent it
from spreading inside your body and to other people.
- TAMIFLU successfully tackles the cause of the influenza infection, rather
than masking the symptoms.
- TAMIFLU represents a medical breakthrough, being the first time a pill
with the power to stop the flu will be available in New Zealand
- Unlike over-the-counter medications that only mask the symptoms of influenza,
TAMIFLU is an antiviral agent that targets the actual influenza
virus, and stops it from replicating and spreading from cell
to cell.
- The medication, which belongs to a new class of drug called neuraminidase
inhibitors, targets one of the two major surface structures on the influenza
virus, the neuraminidase protein. The receptor site on this protein is
virtually identical in all common strains of influenza. By blocking neuraminidase
activity, TAMIFLU is able to prevent other healthy cells from being infected.
With fewer infected cells the patient doesn't become as severely ill and
is more easily and more rapidly able to recover from the infection.
- TAMIFLU is the first ORAL neuraminidase inhibitor and is available as
a capsule for oral use.
- TAMIFLU has been studied in clinical trials involving over 7000 patients
worldwide, and can significantly reduce the duration and the severity
of the influenza illness. TAMIFLU can also reduce the risk of developing
a secondary complication by 50%. The real benefit to patients involves
getting back to normal daily activities up to 3 days faster.
- For Tamiflu to be effective, flu sufferers need to see their doctor
and receive their prescription within 48 hours of falling ill. The recommended
dose is 75 mg, twice daily for five days.
- Taking TAMIFLU means that you feel better faster!
Classification
Prescription Only Medicine
Dosage
Use only as directed
Ingredients
Contains Oseltamivir
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