Tamiflu side effects, risks, and benefits for children may be unclear to many parents.
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is a popular oral antiviral drug used to treat or prevent theflu (influenza).
However, its use in children remains somewhat controversial.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
Here’s a look at what the research says.
Other side effects may include:
More serious side effects have been reported.
Tamiflu can be expensive, especially without insurance.
For the most part, this is untrue.
Not Understanding How It Works
Some parents don’t believe that Tamiflu actually works.
Practically speaking, the effectiveness of Tamiflu can vary depending on when the treatment is started.
Moreover, some parents may expect Tamiflu to kill the flu virus and banish all symptoms quickly or immediately.
This is a mistake.
The other two include the intravenous drug Rapivab (peramivir) and the inhaled drug Relenza (zanamivir).
It is not recommended for mild cases, however.
The chief one is prevention of severe illness from the flu.
This can mean having milder symptoms instead of a serious illness that requires a hospital stay.
To date, we have not seen this.
This regular testing also identifies which antivirals the CDC should recommend each flu season and helps keep guidelines updated.
That said, taking any medication when it’s not needed is ill-advised.
Summary
Tamiflu is an oral antiviral drug used to treat or prevent influenza.
Possible side effects include moderate nausea and vomiting.
Uncommon side effects like hallucinations and suicidal thoughts have been reported.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treating Flu with Antiviral Drugs.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Tamiflu pediatric adverse events: questions and answers.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Tamiflu: Consumer Questions and Answers.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital.Tamiflu and Children: Clearing up the Confusion.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of Flu in Children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza Antiviral Drug Resistance.
