Fluvir 75 Capsule

FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE

FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE is an antiviral medication manufactured by Hetero Drugs Ltd., primarily used for the treatment and prevention of influenza, commonly known as the flu.

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Each capsule contains Oseltamivir Phosphate equivalent to Oseltamivir 75 mg.

Uses FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE is prescribed for:

• Treatment of Influenza: This includes seasonal flu and swine flu (H1N1 virus) in adults, adolescents, children, and infants (from two weeks of age). It helps to relieve flu symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue.
• Prevention of Influenza: It is used for post-exposure prevention in individuals aged one year and older following contact with an infected person, and during a community outbreak when the influenza virus is circulating. For optimal efficacy, treatment should ideally commence within two days of the first onset of flu symptoms.

Dosage and Administration

• General Guidance: Take FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE exactly as prescribed by your doctor, adhering to the recommended dose and duration.
• With or Without Food: It can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or vomiting.
• Completion of Course: It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent relapse or ensure full protection.
• Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. However, if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
• Typical Treatment Dosage (Adults/Adolescents): 75 mg orally twice daily for 5 days.
• Typical Prevention Dosage (Adults/Adolescents): 75 mg orally once daily for at least 10 days, starting within two days of exposure.
• Pediatric Dosage: Dosage for children and infants is weight-based and must be determined by a physician.

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, cough, dizziness, fever, runny nose, sore throat, tiredness, and difficulty sleeping. These often subside as treatment continues.
• Serious/Rare Side Effects: Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, angioneurotic edema), signs of liver disorders (fulminant hepatitis, jaundice), and, in rare cases or large overdoses, neurological or psychiatric symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or seizures.

Precautions

• Vaccination: FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE is not a substitute for the annual influenza vaccination.
• Kidney and Liver Impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease or severe liver disease, as dose adjustments may be necessary. For mild to moderate liver disease, no dose adjustment is typically needed.
• Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy only if clearly necessary and after consultation with a doctor, as human studies are limited, and animal studies suggest potential harm to the developing baby.
• Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe, but caution is advised, and consultation with a doctor is recommended.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all current medications, including supplements and herbal products. It should not be used concurrently with live vaccines (a gap of at least two weeks before and 48 hours after administration is recommended). It may also interact with anti-cancer drugs like methotrexate.
• Behavioral Changes: Inform your doctor if any unusual changes in mood or behavior are observed, particularly in children and adolescents.
• Contraindications: Do not use if allergic to Oseltamivir or any other ingredients of the capsule. Not intended for the common cold, sinus infections, or sore throats unrelated to influenza. Not recommended for prophylaxis in children under 1 year of age.

Storage

• Store FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE at or below 25°C or 30°C in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.

FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE, manufactured by Hetero Drugs Ltd., contains the active ingredient Oseltamivir Phosphate 75mg. It is an antiviral medication primarily used for the treatment and prevention of influenza (flu), including strains like H1N1 (swine flu).

What is FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE used for?

FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE is used to treat and prevent influenza (flu) caused by influenza virus types A and B. It helps alleviate flu symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, fever, and chills, and can shorten the recovery time by 1-2 days. It can also be used for prevention if you have been exposed to someone with the flu or during a community outbreak.

How does FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE work?

FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE contains Oseltamivir Phosphate, which is a prodrug of oseltamivir carboxylate, its active metabolite. This active metabolite works as a neuraminidase inhibitor. It prevents the flu virus from spreading within the body by inhibiting the viral neuraminidase enzyme, which is essential for the virus to bud from infected cells, replicate, and infect new cells. This action limits the spread of the virus, reducing the severity and duration of the illness.

What is the usual dosage of FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE?

For the treatment of flu in adults and teenagers (13 years and older), the usual dosage is one 75 mg capsule twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening) for 5 days. Treatment should ideally begin within 2 days of the onset of flu symptoms.

For the prevention of flu in adults and teenagers (13 years and older), the typical dosage is one 75 mg capsule once a day for at least 10 days, or up to 6 weeks during a community outbreak. Prophylaxis should be initiated within 2 days of exposure. Dosing for children younger than 13 years is based on their body weight and must be determined by a doctor.

What are the possible side effects of FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain. These usually occur after the first dose and often resolve as treatment continues. Taking the medicine with food may help reduce stomach upset.

Rare but serious side effects, especially in children and teenagers, can include sudden confusion, delirium, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or self-injury. Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and severe skin reactions (like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis) can also occur. If any of these serious side effects are observed, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Is FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: It is important to discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. While it's not known if oseltamivir will harm an unborn baby, getting the flu during pregnancy can lead to serious complications. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for pregnant women.

Breastfeeding: Limited data suggest that oseltamivir and its active metabolite are poorly excreted into breast milk in negligible amounts and are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. The CDC considers oseltamivir compatible with breastfeeding. If the infant also needs flu treatment or prevention, the recommended dose for infants should be given directly to the infant, regardless of breast milk exposure.

Can FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE be taken with other medications?

FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE (oseltamivir) can interact with certain medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products you are taking. For example, it can interact with probenecid, and certain influenza virus vaccines, particularly the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) (nasal mist flu vaccine). Administration of LAIV should be avoided within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after using oseltamivir.

What precautions should be taken with FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE?

Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease (especially if on dialysis), heart disease, chronic lung disease, liver disease, a weakened immune system, or a condition causing swelling or disorder of the brain. FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE is not a substitute for an annual flu shot. It also won't prevent bacterial infections that might start with flu-like symptoms. Patients, especially children and adolescents, should be monitored for signs of unusual behavior, confusion, or agitation.

What happens if a dose of FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (generally within 2 hours), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE be stored?

FLUVIR 75 CAPSULE should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light, and out of the reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom. Any oral liquid formulation, if prepared, has specific storage requirements, usually in the refrigerator, and should be used within a certain timeframe (e.g., 17 days), and not frozen.