Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
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.
The standard adult treatment dose is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. Pediatric doses are weight-based, and the oral suspension is commonly used for children or patients who cannot swallow capsules.
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.
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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.
Tamiflu has relatively few drug interactions compared to many other medications. There are no significant food interactions, though taking it with food may reduce gastrointestinal 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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