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Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is a prescription-only antiviral medicine licensed for the treatment and post-exposure prevention of influenza A and B in adults and children. At Ways Pharmacy it is supplied only after a pharmacist-led online consultation has confirmed clinical suitability.
How to access this medicine
- Select the appropriate strength on this page and complete payment.
- You will be sent a clinical consultation questionnaire by email.
- Our GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews your responses.
- If supply is clinically appropriate, the medicine is dispensed and dispatched.
- If supply is not appropriate, you will receive a full refund and a brief written explanation.
About this medicine
| Active ingredient | Oseltamivir phosphate (奥司他韦 / 达菲) |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Neuraminidase inhibitor (antiviral) |
| Licensed indications | Treatment and post-exposure prevention of influenza A and B |
| Legal classification | POM — Prescription Only Medicine |
| Available presentations | 75 mg adult capsules · paediatric capsules (30 mg / 45 mg / 60 mg) · 6 mg/ml oral suspension |
| Onset window | Most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset (treatment) or known exposure (prevention) |
| Patient leaflet | Tamiflu PIL (emc) — read before use |
Dosage (from the Summary of Product Characteristics)
The pharmacist will confirm the exact regimen for your circumstances during the consultation. The licensed dosing is summarised below.
Treatment — adults and adolescents (13 years and over)
One 75 mg capsule twice daily for 5 days. Start within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Post-exposure prevention — adults and adolescents
One 75 mg capsule once daily for 10 days. Start within 48 hours of exposure to an infected person.
Treatment — children (within 48 hours of symptom onset)
| Weight | Dose (5 days) | Oral suspension |
|---|---|---|
| 10 – 15 kg | 30 mg twice daily | 5 ml twice daily |
| > 15 – 23 kg | 45 mg twice daily | 7.5 ml twice daily |
| > 23 – 40 kg | 60 mg twice daily | 10 ml twice daily |
| > 40 kg | 75 mg twice daily | 12.5 ml twice daily |
Post-exposure prevention — children (within 48 hours of exposure)
| Weight | Dose (10 days) | Oral suspension |
|---|---|---|
| 10 – 15 kg | 30 mg once daily | 5 ml once daily |
| > 15 – 23 kg | 45 mg once daily | 7.5 ml once daily |
| > 23 – 40 kg | 60 mg once daily | 10 ml once daily |
| > 40 kg | 75 mg once daily | 12.5 ml once daily |
Seasonal prevention during a community outbreak (adults)
One 75 mg capsule once daily for up to 6 weeks during the outbreak season, where clinically appropriate.
Who should not take this medicine
- People with a known hypersensitivity to oseltamivir or any of the excipients listed in the PIL
- The pharmacist will also assess pregnancy, breastfeeding, renal function and other clinically relevant factors during the consultation
Frequently asked questions
Is Tamiflu used for COVID-19?
No. Tamiflu is licensed for influenza A and B only. It is not effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
When does Tamiflu need to be started?
For treatment, ideally within 48 hours of the first influenza symptoms. For post-exposure prevention, ideally within 48 hours of close contact with someone confirmed to have influenza.
Can Tamiflu be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
The pharmacist will assess this individually during the consultation. Tamiflu has been used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when the clinical benefit is judged to outweigh the risk, but this is a case-by-case decision and not a blanket recommendation.
What side effects should I be aware of?
The most commonly reported side effects are nausea and vomiting, often reduced by taking the capsule with food. Full side-effect information, including rarer effects, is in the Patient Information Leaflet — please read it before starting the medicine.
Does Tamiflu interact with other medicines?
Tamiflu has relatively few clinically significant interactions, but you must list all other medicines (including over-the-counter, supplements and the influenza nasal spray vaccine) in the consultation questionnaire so the pharmacist can confirm safety.
How should Tamiflu be stored?
Capsules: store at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture. Oral suspension: once reconstituted, follow the storage instruction on the bottle (typically refrigerated and discarded after 10 days). Keep out of reach of children.
Regulatory information
- Legal status: POM (Prescription Only Medicine)
- Marketing authorisation holder: Roche Registration GmbH
- Supplied by: Ways Pharmacy, UK — GPhC-registered (registration number on the storefront footer)
- Patient Information Leaflet: Tamiflu PIL via emc
- Suspected side effect? Report via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme
This page provides factual information about a prescription-only medicine and is not an advertisement to the public. Supply is dependent on satisfactory completion of a clinical consultation reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Tamiflu to prevent getting the flu?
Yes, Tamiflu can be used as a preventative treatment if you've been exposed to the flu but aren’t yet showing symptoms—especially helpful in households or outbreaks. Start Consultation now to choose and pay for your medication, and our team will review your details before quickly dispatching your order if approved.
What happens after I place an order for Tamiflu online?
Once you Start Consultation and submit your assessment, you’ll select and pay for your medication. Our admin team will then review your order for medical appropriateness and safety. If the selected treatment isn’t right for you, our pharmacist will offer a suitable alternative. Once approved, your Tamiflu is dispatched with no extra steps required.
Who can take Tamiflu and is it safe for children or older adults?
Tamiflu can be used by adults and children over 1 year old, but dosages vary based on age and weight. It’s generally safe but may not be suitable for people with kidney issues or certain allergies. Start Consultation to complete a quick assessment—our pharmacy team will ensure Tamiflu is appropriate, or suggest alternatives if needed.
When should I take Tamiflu for it to be most effective?
Tamiflu is most effective when taken within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms, such as fever, body aches, and fatigue. Starting treatment early helps lessen symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. To get started quickly, Start Consultation, select and pay for your medication, and our team will review your health information for safety before dispatching.
What is Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and how does it treat flu symptoms?
Tamiflu is an antiviral medication used to treat or prevent influenza (flu) symptoms caused by flu virus types A and B. It works by stopping the virus from spreading in your body, helping reduce the severity and duration of symptoms when taken early. Start Consultation to begin your order and see if Tamiflu is suitable for your flu treatment.
Reviewed Date
03 June 2025
Published On
03 June 2025
Last Updated
03 June 2025