However, they differ in their dosing and uses in different populations.
Tamiflu is an older medication than Xofluza.
Like Xofluza, it’s most effective in treating the flu within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Getty Images / Hannah Peters / Stringer
How Does Xofluza Work?
Xofluza is an influenza virus polymerase acidic endonuclease inhibitor.
This happens because of the high amount of water in human bodies.
The water in your body helps break up this medication into an active drug form.
How Does Tamiflu Work?
Tamiflu is an influenza neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI).
It binds to and blocks neuraminidase enzymes, which are present in influenza viruses.
By doing this, Tamiflu reduces the viral load and the length of time infected.
Its active ingredient or generic version (oseltamivir phosphate) is also a prodrug.
It works by undergoing a chemical breakdown similar to Xofluza.
Is Xofluza or Tamiflu More Effective?
Research has shown that Xofluza, compared to Tamiflu, can be more effective in reducing household influenza transmission.
Xofluza prevents the virus’s spread more efficiently.
There is limited data on Xofluza’s use during pregnancy.
You may or may not experience side effects when taking either of these drugs.
However, this list does not include all possible side effects that could occur.
Side effects can make it difficult to continue taking your full treatment course.
Over-the-counter (OTC) therapies can help you manage some of these milder side effects.
It’s recommended not to use these medications if you are allergic to any of their components.
Taking any of the above could reduce how well Xofluza works.
One interaction that can affect both Xofluza and Tamiflu is withlive vaccines.
These may lose effectiveness if given two weeks before or 48 hours after administration of an antiviral.
Talk to your healthcare provider when prescribed an antiviral if you are potentially getting a new vaccine.
Summary
Both Xofluza and Tamiflu are effective and commonly prescribed medications for the flu.
Which medication you take may depend on different factors, such as age or pregnancy status.
Tamiflu is a 10-pill regimen and can take five to 10 days for treatment and any sign of improvement.
Some common COVID-19 medications include:
Both of these medications can be taken with or without food.
The author would like to recognize and thank Jaycob Mathew Pena for contributing to this article.
Food and Drug Administration.Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) tablets label.
Food and Drug Administration.Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) tablets label.
2022;74(3):532-540. doi:10.1093/cid/ciab625.
2021;8(6):ofab138.
