Comprehensive medication guide to Tamiflu including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
Most insurance plans cover generic oseltamivir with a typical copay of $0–$75, though some plans may require prior authorization during non-flu season.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Brand-name Tamiflu typically costs $150–$250 for a 10-capsule course, while generic oseltamivir ranges from $25–$135 and can drop as low as $20–$30 with discount coupons.
Medfinder Findability Score
40/100
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Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is a prescription antiviral medication manufactured by Genentech (Roche). It is FDA-approved for treating acute, uncomplicated influenza A and B in patients 2 weeks of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours. It is also approved for preventing (prophylaxis) influenza in patients 1 year and older. Tamiflu works best when started within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms and can reduce the duration of illness by 1–2 days.
Tamiflu is a prodrug that gets converted in the body to oseltamivir carboxylate, its active form. This active metabolite inhibits the neuraminidase enzyme found on the surface of influenza A and B viruses. Neuraminidase is essential for releasing newly formed viral particles from infected cells. By blocking this enzyme, Tamiflu prevents the virus from spreading to other cells in the respiratory tract, slowing the infection and giving your immune system time to fight it off.
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30 mg oral capsules
45 mg oral capsules
75 mg oral capsules
Oral suspension (powder for reconstitution, 6 mg/mL) — suspension
Tamiflu has a findability score of 40 out of 100, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate during flu season. The 2025–2026 flu season has caused intermittent shortages due to surging demand, with the ASHP reporting 10+ presentations in short supply. While the FDA characterizes these as localized stock-outs rather than a national shortage, you may need to call multiple pharmacies or try different formulations. Generic oseltamivir from multiple manufacturers is available, which helps, but seasonal allocation limits can still make it tricky to find during peak flu activity from December through February.
Tamiflu can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers, including primary care and family medicine doctors, internists, pediatricians, urgent care providers, emergency medicine physicians, and infectious disease specialists. Tamiflu is also commonly prescribed through telehealth visits, making it convenient to get a prescription without leaving home when you're feeling sick with flu symptoms.
No, Tamiflu is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is a standard prescription antiviral medication with no known potential for abuse or dependence. You will still need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain it.
Taking Tamiflu with food can help reduce nausea and stomach upset. In rare cases, serious side effects may occur including neuropsychiatric events (abnormal behavior, confusion, hallucinations, and delirium — especially in children), severe skin reactions, and allergic reactions. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice unusual behavior or severe symptoms.
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Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil)
A single-dose oral antiviral for patients 5 years and older. Works by a different mechanism (cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor) and is convenient because it requires only one dose.
Relenza (zanamivir)
An inhaled neuraminidase inhibitor for treatment (7+ years) and prevention (5+ years) of influenza. Good alternative for those who cannot take oral medications, though not recommended for people with asthma or COPD.
Rapivab (peramivir)
An IV neuraminidase inhibitor given as a single infusion for patients 6 months and older. Typically used in hospital settings when oral or inhaled options are not feasible.
Prefer Tamiflu? We can find it.
Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV/FluMist)
moderateTamiflu may reduce the effectiveness of the nasal flu vaccine. Avoid LAIV within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after taking Tamiflu.
Probenecid
moderateMay increase oseltamivir carboxylate levels by reducing renal clearance, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
Tamiflu remains one of the most widely prescribed antiviral medications for influenza, and for good reason — it's effective, available in multiple formulations, and safe for patients as young as 2 weeks old. The main challenge right now is availability. During the 2025–2026 flu season, intermittent shortages have made it harder to find in stock at your local pharmacy. If your pharmacy is out, ask about generic oseltamivir from different manufacturers, check nearby pharmacies, or use Medfinder to locate it in stock near you. Starting treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset is critical, so don't wait — the sooner you find it, the better it works.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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