Tamiflu as a flu preventative

[Aidensmom]

I am just wondering what people's experiences are with this, I know it is not 100% effective in preventing the flu.

My son woke up yesterday morning at 4 am sicker than I have ever seen him in his life, so I took him into the pediatrician yesterday. He tested positive for the flu and was given a prescription for Tamiflu to try to help shorten the duration/intensity, and the doctor suggested I ask my own for a preventitive prescription.

My doctor called it in for me this morning, but I am just wondering how effective it has been for people who have taken it. Also, did you experience any side effects? It's my understanding you are more likely to have side effects if you already have the flu when you take it.

 

[bananiem]

I don't have any advice. Just wanted to say I hope he feels better quickly.

 

[luvwinnie]

I haven't heard of it being used that way...but I did get an email alert from flustar.com saying there is a very high rate of flu in our area. I was surprised since it's April! Hope he feels better and that you don't get it!

 

[lsyorke]

I will only decrease the symptoms by 1.3 days and has some potentially serious adverse reactions.

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/patient/oseltamivir_phosphatePIS.pdf

I, personally, wouldn't take the risk for the minimal benefit.

 

[Aidensmom]

I will only decrease the symptoms by 1.3 days and has some potentially serious adverse reactions.

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/patient/oseltamivir_phosphatePIS.pdf

I, personally, wouldn't take the risk for the minimal benefit.

Thank you for the information, I am aware of the possible effects, and I have discussed the adverse reactions with the pediatrician at length. According to the pediatrician, the behavioral side effects, which are the ones which would be considered most serious, have never been encountered in her practice in the 2 years since she has been prescribing it regularly, and if they do occur, discontinuing the medication is supposed to stop the effects. If my son is laying there crying 1.3 days less, it is worthwhile to try it for me. The only side effect he has shown is nausea, and he already had that with the flu.

As far as for myself, I have asthma, and if I get the flu I can guarantee it will develop into something more serious, so that is why I also asked for a prescription also. The potential side effect of one of my regular daily asthma meds is death and I've cheated that one so far.

I really am just wondering what other's experience's have been.

And thank you to those who gave well wishes for Aiden, we both appreciate them!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I don't have any experience with this, but to Aiden. I hope he feels better soon. Poor guy. And a to you, too. No fun dealing with a sick kiddo.

 

[goudaman40]

A little side note on that . . . it could make you pregnant! Atleast that is what hubby and I believe. I was sick and so was he, we both took it and now I am 6 1/2 weeks pregnant.

Dont get me wrong, it's great for us (been trying for 10 years and didn't think it could happen). This is the only thing that we haven't had the chance to check "potential side affects" on.

Also, the stuff works great, I started feel better in about 1/2 day of taking it.

 

[Aidensmom]

A little side note on that . . . it could make you pregnant! Atleast that is what hubby and I believe. I was sick and so was he, we both took it and now I am 6 1/2 weeks pregnant.

Dont get me wrong, it's great for us (been trying for 10 years and didn't think it could happen). This is the only thing that we haven't had the chance to check "potential side affects" on.

Also, the stuff works great, I started feel better in about 1/2 day of taking it.

If it makes me pregnant, I'll have a hard time explaining that one, DH has been "snipped".

I am glad to hear it worked that fast for you. My son seems to be feeling a bit better today than yesterday (he is drinking more and wants to watch TV instead of just sleep), but I'm not sure if he has kept down a full doseage yet of the medicine.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Awww, sorry to hear that. I hope DS gets better soon and that you stay healthy.

 

[luvwinnie]

A little side note on that . . . it could make you pregnant! Atleast that is what hubby and I believe. I was sick and so was he, we both took it and now I am 6 1/2 weeks pregnant.

Dont get me wrong, it's great for us (been trying for 10 years and didn't think it could happen). This is the only thing that we haven't had the chance to check "potential side affects" on.

Also, the stuff works great, I started feel better in about 1/2 day of taking it.

Wow! Thanks for that warning! lol
Congrats to you! Have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My 10yo got the flu. DH, me, and my 15yodd took Tamiflu. We did not get the flu.

 

[OKWMom]

When DS came down with the flu 2 wks ago, his doctor wrote a prescription for everyone in the house, all five of us. None of the rest of us got the flu, so it was worth it to us.

 

[Aidensmom]

I'm glad to hear people have had good success with it.

DS is feeling almost completely normal now, just a little more than 36 hours after he came down with the virus, and after just 3 doses of Tamiflu.

I took my first dose today, and only effect I seem to be experiencing is that I am a little tired.