According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2009 a new flu variety called H1N1 began a steady worldwide spread. Also known as swine flu, this new and frightening flu pushed antiviral drugs like Tamiflu into the spotlight. While Tamiflu can cause stomach upset, weight loss is not a major side effect of treatment.
What is Tamiflu?
Oseltamivir, or Tamiflu, is an antiviral medication prescribed to prevent or shorten the course of the flu. Tamiflu must be started within the first or second day after the onset of symptoms to be effective. Recovery is about one day sooner than normal with Tamiflu treatment. According to the official Tamiflu website, taking the medicine to prevent the flu lowered the infection rate by 92 percent.
Influenza
According to the CDC, seasonal flu is caused by a variety of influenza viruses. A respiratory virus, flu is often mild but can be severe and even cause death. Symptoms are fever, coughing, nasal congestion, body aches and fatigue. If you think you have flu, you should stay home to curtail the spread of the disease. Call your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, suddenly become dizzy or confused or if symptoms leave and then return.
Weight Loss
The most common Tamiflu side effect is nausea and vomiting, which could contribute to weight loss. Liquid Tamiflu contains sorbitol, which causes stomach upset in fructose-intolerant people. This effect would be alleviated upon stopping the drug. Unusual weight loss is classed as a rare side effect of Tamiflu. In general, weight loss is not a consideration in the decision to prescribe Tamiflu.
Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Tamiflu can cause agitation, irritability and abnormal behavior which increases the risk for injury. This side effect is more common in children and teenagers. Consult your doctor if you experience rash or other skin reactions. Less common side effects are wheezing, coughing and abdominal pain. Any unusual symptoms while taking Tamiflu should be reported to your doctor.
Who Should Take Tamiflu?
Tamiflu should not be used in place of yearly flu vaccines, according to Drugs.com. Tamiflu should be considered if you have come into contact with someone that has the flu or if you are caring for someone with flu. Tamiflu is also used to shorten the duration of flu symptoms. Tamiflu should be used with caution in patients that have kidney, heart, lung or liver disease. Those that are fructose intolerant should discuss the use of this medicine with their doctor.
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