The first line of defense against seasonal flu types A and B is getting your flu shot. But if you do contract the influenza viral infection, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) can lessen its symptoms, shorten the duration of infection and decrease the chances of spreading the infection to others. Keep in mind the need to take Tamiflu within the first two days that flu symptoms are noticed and that it can't combat the common cold or other diseases. Tamiflu use also comes with some warnings.
Self-Injury
Those who take Tamiflu may be confused or injure themselves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say patients should be closely monitored after taking Tamiflu because of reports of self-injury and unusual behaviors. The CDC says the threat is highest with children and adolescents. Other abnormal neurological symptoms observed include hallucinations, delirium and behaviors which could result in death. Although the incidents appear to be uncommon, anyone taking the drug should be observed in the first hours after medication for possible dangerous behaviors.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions to medications are always a possibility, but there have been definite reports of dangerous anaphylactic shock with Tamiflu. The Tamiflu website warns any breathing difficulty, chest tightening or skin rash that develops after taking Tamiflu should inspire a call to your physician and discontinuation of the medication. Other warning signs of allergic reaction include facial swelling and severe nausea.
Infant Toxicity
Tamiflu should not be given to infants less than 1 year old, pregnant women or nursing mothers. The RxList.com website warns that a lack of testing data puts the drug on the list of pregnancy category C medications for possibly harmful drugs with unknown effects. In some animal testing, toxicity was passed on to the unborn young, but it is unknown if similar toxic results would be true with humans. It is also unknown if toxicity could be carried through nursing mothers' milk to their infant. Women are warned to stop taking Tamiflu at least two weeks before discontinuing effective birth control.
