Can't find Xofluza 80 Mg Dose Pack? Learn about proven alternatives like Tamiflu, Relenza, and Rapivab to treat the flu when Xofluza isn't available.
You've got the flu, your doctor wrote a prescription for Xofluza 80 Mg Dose Pack, and now the pharmacy says it's out of stock. It's frustrating — especially when you're feeling terrible and the clock is ticking on that 48-hour treatment window.
The good news is that Xofluza isn't the only antiviral that works against influenza. There are several FDA-approved alternatives your doctor can prescribe, and they're often easier to find. Let's walk through what Xofluza is, how it works, and what your other options look like.
Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat acute uncomplicated influenza in patients 5 years of age and older. The 80 mg dose pack is prescribed for patients weighing 80 kg (about 176 pounds) or more.
What makes Xofluza different from older flu medications is its mechanism. It belongs to a newer drug class called cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors. It was approved by the FDA in 2018 and is manufactured by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
Xofluza is also approved for post-exposure prophylaxis — meaning it can be taken after close contact with someone who has the flu to help prevent you from getting sick.
Xofluza works by blocking an enzyme called cap-dependent endonuclease, which the influenza virus needs to copy its genetic material. Without this enzyme working properly, the virus can't replicate inside your cells.
The biggest advantage of Xofluza is convenience: it's a single oral dose. You take one pill and you're done. Compare that to Tamiflu, which requires taking pills twice a day for five days.
However, Xofluza must be taken within 48 hours of your first symptoms to be effective. You should also avoid taking it with dairy products, calcium-fortified drinks, or supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc, as these can reduce how well the drug works.
If you can't find Xofluza at your pharmacy, don't panic. The following FDA-approved antiviral medications treat the same types of influenza. Talk to your doctor about which one is right for you.
Tamiflu is the most widely prescribed flu antiviral in the United States and has been available since 1999. It works as a neuraminidase inhibitor — it blocks a different enzyme than Xofluza, preventing the virus from spreading to new cells.
How it's taken: Oral capsules or liquid suspension, twice daily for 5 days.
Who can take it: Approved for patients 2 weeks of age and older for treatment, and 1 year and older for prevention.
Availability: Tamiflu is available as a generic (oseltamivir), which makes it significantly cheaper and much easier to find at most pharmacies. Generic oseltamivir typically costs $30–$60 without insurance.
Key difference from Xofluza: Instead of one dose, you'll need to take it twice a day for five days. Some people experience nausea or vomiting as side effects.
Tamiflu is the most common fallback when Xofluza isn't available, and most pharmacies keep it in stock year-round.
Relenza is another neuraminidase inhibitor, but instead of a pill, it's an inhaled powder delivered through a device called a Diskhaler.
How it's taken: Two inhalations twice daily for 5 days (treatment) or once daily for prevention.
Who can take it: Approved for treatment in patients 7 years and older, and prevention in patients 5 years and older.
Availability: Relenza is less commonly prescribed than Tamiflu, so not every pharmacy stocks it. However, it can usually be ordered within a day or two.
Key difference from Xofluza: Relenza is inhaled, not swallowed. It's not recommended for people with asthma or chronic lung disease, as it can cause bronchospasm (airway tightening).
Rapivab is a neuraminidase inhibitor given as a single intravenous (IV) infusion. It's typically administered in a hospital, emergency room, or infusion center.
How it's taken: A single IV infusion lasting 15–30 minutes.
Who can take it: Approved for patients 6 months of age and older.
Availability: Because it's given by IV, you won't find it at a retail pharmacy. It's available through hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Key difference from Xofluza: Like Xofluza, Rapivab is a single-dose treatment. But it requires an IV, which means a trip to a medical facility. It may be a good option if you're already in the ER or if you can't take oral medications due to vomiting.
Here's how these alternatives stack up against Xofluza:
You may have heard of amantadine or rimantadine. These older antiviral drugs are no longer recommended for treating influenza because most circulating flu strains are now resistant to them. The CDC does not recommend their use for flu treatment.
If Xofluza is out of stock, here are some steps you can take:
Xofluza 80 Mg Dose Pack is a convenient, effective flu treatment — but it's not your only option. If your pharmacy is out of stock, alternatives like Tamiflu, Relenza, and Rapivab can treat influenza just as effectively. The most important thing is to start treatment within 48 hours of your first symptoms, so don't wait.
Talk to your doctor about which alternative makes sense for your situation. And if you'd rather keep looking for Xofluza, check out our guide on how to find Xofluza in stock near you or learn about ways to save money on Xofluza.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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