If you have kidney disease, you may have difficulty processing medications because your kidneys have a reduced ability to filter the medication and excrete it. Medications may stay in your system for longer amounts of time and cause an increase in the possibility of side effects. You may be able to take the anti-viral influenza medication, Tamiflu, if you have decreased kidney function. Your doctor may prescribe a reduced dose for you, however, to decrease the possibility of complications.
Doses
The normal recommended dose of Tamiflu for people older than age 13 who have the flu is 75 mg twice a day for five days, starting within two days after the appearance of flu symptoms. To prevent the flu, a dose of 75 mg per day for 10 days is recommended for those older than age 13, starting within two days of flu exposure. If you have reduced creatinine clearance, which indicates decreased kidney function, the suggested dose is lowered to 75 mg once per day for five days for treatment for creatinine clearance between 10 and 30 mL/min, explains Global RPh. For prophylaxis, the recommended dose is 75 mg every other day or 30 mg every day. If you're undergoing dialysis, there is no recommended dose; follow your doctor's instructions.
Side Effects
Because kidney disease can impair your ability to eliminate Tamiflu from your system, you may develop side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or stomach discomfort. You could also experience dizziness, difficulty sleeping, headache, weakness or tiredness. You could also experience coughing, sore throat or nasal congestion. Many of these symptoms are the same symptoms you might experience with the flu. Let your doctor know if these symptoms appear or seem to worsen rather than getting better while taking Tamiflu, since your dose may need adjustment.
Warning Signs
More severe reactions can also occur if you're taking Tamiflu, whether or not you have abnormal kidney function. Signs of potentially serious illness include a skin rash, blistering, redness, peeling or looseness of the skin, a severe acne-like reaction, chills or fever. Tamiflu can occasionally cause behavior changes such as unusual agitation or irritability. Seizures can also occur.
Considerations
Tamiflu may help shorten you flu symptom by about one day, according to Drugs.com. If taken before symptoms appear, Tamiflu may prevent you from developing the flu, but the drug should not be used as a substitute for a flu shot. Your doctor will need to decide whether the benefits of Tamiflu outweigh the risks if you have kidney disease.
