The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two medicines, Tamiflu and Oseltamivir, for the treatment and prevention of swine flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prescription antiviral medicines for swine flu can help people feel better, shorten the time they are sick and reduce their risk of serious flu-related complications.
Who Needs Them
Most people with swine flu will get better without taking medicine. However, there are some exceptions. According to the CDC, people who have a higher risk of serious flu complications include children under five-years-old, adults 65 years and older, women who are pregnant and up to two weeks post-partum, people with chronic medical problems and people under 19 who are taking aspirin. These people should contact their physician as soon as symptoms appear because antiviral medications are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. In some cases, medicines for swine flu may be prescribed in someone with no symptoms (prophylaxis), in order to prevent them from ever getting sick. Depending upon supplies, physicians may also prescribe antiviral medicines for people who are not in a high risk group.
What They Are - Tamiflu
According to MedlinePlus, Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is the only swine flu medicine that is approved for all ages. It is taken by mouth, either as a pill or a liquid for people who problems with pills. Dosing is weight and age based for children. Since the drug is excreted through the kidneys, people with certain kinds of kidney problems may follow a decreased dosing schedule. When used for the treatment of swine flu, Tamiflu is taken twice daily. When used prophylactically, Tamiflu is taken twice daily. The most common side effects of Tamiflu is stomach upset, which may be reduced by taking the medication with food.
What They Are - Relenza
According to MedlinePlus, Relenza (zanamivir inhalation) is approved for the treatment of swine flu in people seven years and up and the prevention of swine flu in people five years and up. Relenza is dispensed as a powder that is inhaled through the mouth using an included plastic inhaler called a "diskhaler." Some people may need help learning to use the diskhaler. Like Tamiflu, twice daily dosing is used for treatment and once daily dosing is used for prophylaxis. Relenza can trigger wheezing and should not be used in people with heart failure and lung problems, such as asthma. It also includes lactose, a component of milk, so people with milk allergies should share this information with their healthcare provider before taking Relenza.
