Your Pharmacy Is Out of Tamiflu — Now What?

You've got the flu, you have a prescription for Tamiflu, and your pharmacy just told you they don't have it. With the ongoing Tamiflu shortage in 2026, this is happening to thousands of patients every week.

The good news? Tamiflu is not the only antiviral medication for the flu. There are several FDA-approved alternatives that your doctor can prescribe — and some of them may actually work better for your situation.

In this article, we'll walk through what Tamiflu is, how it works, and the real alternatives available to you right now.

What Is Tamiflu?

Tamiflu is the brand name for Oseltamivir Phosphate, an antiviral medication made by Genentech (Roche). It's used to treat and prevent influenza A and B in patients as young as 2 weeks old.

Tamiflu comes as capsules (30 mg, 45 mg, and 75 mg) and an oral suspension for children. The standard adult treatment is 75 mg taken twice daily for 5 days. For a deeper dive, see our guide on Tamiflu uses, dosage, and what you need to know.

How Does Tamiflu Work?

Tamiflu belongs to a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. Here's the simple version of how it works:

When the flu virus infects your cells, it multiplies inside them and then uses an enzyme called neuraminidase to break free and spread to new cells. Tamiflu blocks that enzyme, trapping the virus inside infected cells and preventing it from spreading further.

This doesn't kill the virus directly — it slows the infection down enough for your immune system to catch up and clear the virus. That's why Tamiflu works best when started within 48 hours of your first symptoms, while the virus is still actively spreading. For more details, read How Does Tamiflu Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

FDA-Approved Alternatives to Tamiflu

If you can't find Tamiflu, there are three other FDA-approved antiviral medications for influenza. Each works a little differently, and the right choice depends on your age, health, and the specifics of your situation.

1. Xofluza (Baloxavir Marboxil)

Xofluza is often considered the top alternative to Tamiflu. It's an oral tablet approved for treating flu in patients 5 years and older, and for prevention in patients 5 years and older who have been exposed to someone with the flu.

Key advantages of Xofluza:

• Single dose. You take one dose by mouth, and that's it. No 5-day course like Tamiflu.
• Different mechanism. Xofluza is a cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor. Instead of blocking viral release (like Tamiflu), it stops the virus from copying its genetic material in the first place.
• Effective against Oseltamivir-resistant strains. Because it works differently, Xofluza can treat flu strains that have developed resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors.

Things to know:

• Xofluza should not be taken with dairy products, calcium-fortified beverages, or antacids, as these can reduce absorption.
• It may be more expensive than generic Oseltamivir without insurance.
• It's not approved for children under 5.

2. Relenza (Zanamivir)

Relenza is an inhaled neuraminidase inhibitor — the same drug class as Tamiflu, but delivered directly to the respiratory tract instead of taken orally.

Key facts about Relenza:

• Approved for treatment of flu in patients 7 years and older
• Approved for prevention of flu in patients 5 years and older
• Taken as 2 inhalations (10 mg total) twice daily for 5 days
• Uses a special disk inhaler device called a Diskhaler

Things to know:

• Relenza should not be used in patients with asthma or COPD — it can cause bronchospasm (sudden narrowing of the airways).
• Some patients find the inhaler device difficult to use, especially when they're feeling sick.
• It's a good option if oral medications aren't staying down due to vomiting.

3. Rapivab (Peramivir)

Rapivab is a neuraminidase inhibitor given as a single intravenous (IV) infusion. It's approved for patients 6 months and older.

Key facts about Rapivab:

• Given as a one-time IV infusion over 15–30 minutes
• Administered in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center
• Useful for patients who can't take oral medications or use inhalers

Things to know:

• Because it requires an IV, you'll need to go to a healthcare facility to receive it.
• It may be a good option for patients who are vomiting and can't keep pills down.
• It's in the same drug class as Tamiflu (neuraminidase inhibitor), so it's not ideal if resistance to that class is a concern.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you can't find Tamiflu, call your doctor's office or send a message through your patient portal. Let them know:

• You've been unable to fill your Tamiflu prescription
• Which pharmacies you've checked (or mention that you've searched on Medfinder)
• Ask if they can prescribe an alternative antiviral

Most doctors are already aware of the shortage and will be happy to switch you to another option. If your doctor prescribed Tamiflu through a telehealth visit, you can usually get a new prescription sent to your pharmacy within hours.

What About Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Medications?

Over-the-counter flu medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and cough suppressants can help manage your symptoms — fever, aches, congestion — but they do not treat the flu virus itself. Only prescription antiviral medications like Tamiflu, Xofluza, Relenza, and Rapivab can do that.

If you're in a high-risk group (over 65, pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, or are immunocompromised), getting an antiviral is especially important. Don't rely on home remedies alone.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to find Tamiflu is stressful, but it doesn't mean you're out of options. Xofluza, Relenza, and Rapivab are all FDA-approved alternatives that can treat the flu effectively. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you, and use Medfinder to find availability near you.

For more information about the current shortage and what's behind it, read our Tamiflu shortage update for 2026.