Your doctor may prescribe Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) in capsules or as an oral suspension to treat influenza infections. The medication is only effective for those who have had flu symptoms less than 48 hours. It can prevent you from coming down with the flu even without showing symptoms, but it shouldn't be substituted for seasonal flu shots. Tamiflu doesn't treat the common cold or diseases other than flu and may cause a number of side effects.
Nausea, Vomiting
Taking Tamiflu caused nausea and vomiting in about 15 percent of test subjects during clinical trials. The Tamiflu website states that those more than 13 years of age reported nausea and vomiting as the most common side effect of taking Tamiflu. About 10 percent of those younger than 13 years of age experienced nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain
Other common complaints from taking Tamiflu include diarrhea and abdominal pain. The Rx List website lists 9 percent of those more than 13 years old complaining of diarrhea and another 2 percent reporting abdominal pain. The Tamiflu website reported even higher percentages of 10 percent complaining of diarrhea and 5 percent abdominal pain.
Dizziness, Headache, Cough
Other flu symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and cough were experienced by those taking Tamiflu. The Drugs website states that those taking Tamiflu reported nosebleeds and insomnia as well as typical flu symptoms after taking the drug.
Hallucinations, Delirium
Those taking Tamiflu may experience hallucinations and delirium. The Tamiflu website states these and other abnormal behaviors have been reported by those using Tamiflu, although it wasn't clear if Tamiflu caused the mental difficulties or if the conditions were symptomatic of the effects of influenza.
Fetal Toxicity
Using Tamiflu may be toxic to a fetus if taken by pregnant or nursing mothers. The Rx List website states that some toxicity was discovered in animal studies but no human studies can yet verify if fetal toxicity would occur as well. Until more data is available, pregnant and nursing mothers are cautioned against using Tamiflu unless their physicians deem the benefit is worth the potential risk.
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