Tamiflu for Flu
- Antiviral flu treatment containing oseltamivir
- For treatment and prevention of flu
- Free online clinical assessment by a UK prescriber
- Private prescription included
- Fast UK delivery*
If you have flu symptoms such as a sudden fever, aches and exhaustion, or you’ve been in close contact with someone who has flu, Tamiflu may help. It works best when started within 48 hours, so complete our quick online consultation and our UK-registered prescribers will check whether it’s right for you.
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Product information: Tamiflu for Flu
What is Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is a prescription antiviral medicine containing oseltamivir. You may be prescribed it to treat flu (influenza A and B) or to help prevent flu after you’ve been in close contact with someone who has it. It works by stopping the flu virus from spreading between cells in your body, which can shorten your illness and reduce the risk of complications.
Tamiflu does not treat the common cold, COVID-19 or other viral infections, and it does not replace the flu vaccine. It’s not suitable if you’re allergic to oseltamivir or any of the ingredients. Your prescriber will check your medical history to make sure Tamiflu is safe for you.
Who can get Tamiflu for flu?
Tamiflu may be suitable if you’re aged 18 or over and you:
- Have flu symptoms that started within the last 48 hours, such as a sudden high temperature, aching body, exhaustion, dry cough or headache
- Have been in close contact with someone who has flu in the last 48 hours
- Are at higher risk of complications from flu, such as if you’re aged 65 or over, pregnant, or have a long-term condition like asthma, diabetes, or heart, kidney or liver disease
- Have a weakened immune system
Our prescribers will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, risk factors and how long you’ve been unwell.
During your online consultation, we’ll ask you about:
- Your symptoms and when they started, or when you were in contact with someone with flu
- Any medical conditions you have, especially kidney problems or a weakened immune system
- Any allergies to medicines
- Any medication or treatments you’re currently having, including recent or planned flu vaccines
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
This will help your prescriber find a treatment that’s safe and effective for you. Antivirals are only prescribed when clinically appropriate.
How it works
Online consultation
Fill out a simple online form with no GP or pharmacy visits.
Clinical review
A UK-registered pharmacist reviews your details to decide the best treatment option for you.
Receive your prescription
If prescribed, you can get express delivery in discreet packaging right to your doorstep.
Delivery Information
Royal Mail Tracked 24
1–2 working days
£3.99
Royal Mail Special Delivery
Guaranteed next working day delivery
£8.95
Discreet Packaging
All orders are sent in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the contents. Your privacy is our priority.
Side Effects
Like any treatment, Tamiflu can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most are mild and pass with time, such as:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Headache
- Stomach ache or indigestion
Taking Tamiflu with food can help reduce nausea and vomiting. We’ll explain what to look out for and ways to manage any side effects.
Rarely, Tamiflu can cause serious side effects. Stop taking it and get urgent medical advice if you notice sudden confusion, unusual behaviour, hallucinations or fits, a severe skin rash with blistering or peeling, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Please call 999 or go straight to A&E if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
If you notice any changes not listed above or if any side effects become difficult to manage, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance. You can also report it through the Yellow Card Scheme to help others take their medication safely.
Frequently asked questions about Tamiflu for Flu
You can only buy Tamiflu online if it’s been prescribed to you by a UK-registered prescriber after a clinical assessment.
If you have flu symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has flu, you can complete an online consultation reviewed by one of our experienced UK-registered clinicians. They’ll review your symptoms and medical history to decide the best treatment for you. If prescribed, you can order Tamiflu online through our pharmacy. Our service is available to adults aged 18 and over.
We’ll only prescribe Tamiflu when it’s clinically appropriate. If it isn’t the right treatment for you, our prescribers may recommend a more suitable next step and you’ll receive a full refund.
Tamiflu can shorten flu symptoms by around a day and may reduce the risk of complications, such as chest infections, particularly in people at higher risk. It works best when you start it as early as possible, ideally within 48 hours of your symptoms starting.
Rest, fluids and suitable pain relief will also help you recover. Tamiflu won’t help a cold or other viral infections that aren’t flu.
Complete our online consultation for a clinical assessment by one of our experienced prescribers to find out whether you’re eligible for a prescription to buy Tamiflu 75mg capsules online.
Yes. Tamiflu is the brand name for oseltamivir, an antiviral medicine. Oseltamivir works in the same way whichever brand you’re given.
To treat flu, Tamiflu works best when started within 48 hours of your first symptoms. To help prevent flu, you should normally start it within 48 hours of your last close contact with someone who has flu.
Because timing matters, start your consultation as soon as possible. Orders placed before 3pm on weekdays are dispatched the same day once approved.
Yes, when preventive treatment is appropriate, particularly for people at higher risk of complications. The usual adult prevention course is one capsule a day for 10 days. Tamiflu only protects you while you’re taking it, so it does not replace the flu vaccine.
You cannot buy Tamiflu over the counter at a pharmacy as it is a prescription-only medication. This means you must have a prescription from a licensed prescriber to buy Tamiflu.
If you think you have flu, you can fill out our simple online questionnaire to start your consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers. Then, if prescribed, you can buy Tamiflu 75mg capsules through our online pharmacy with fast UK delivery.
You can order Tamiflu 75mg capsules through an online pharmacy after a clinical assessment with a registered prescriber. A prescriber will only prescribe Tamiflu if it’s clinically appropriate for you and your situation.
Do not buy Tamiflu from pharmacies or websites that do not require a consultation with a medical professional.
At My Chemist Plus, you can have a free consultation with a UK-registered, experienced prescriber for Tamiflu. If prescribed, you can order Tamiflu online with fast UK-wide delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.
Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and make you feel too unwell to carry on as normal. They include a high temperature, aching body, exhaustion, dry cough, headache and sometimes a sore throat or loss of appetite.
A cold tends to come on gradually and mainly affects your nose and throat, with sneezing and a blocked or runny nose. Tamiflu will not help a cold.
Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better. If you finish your course and still feel unwell, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- To treat flu: take one 75mg capsule twice a day, for instance in the morning and evening, for 5 days.
- To prevent flu: take one 75mg capsule once a day for 10 days.
- Swallow the capsule whole with water. You can take it with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce nausea.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two capsules at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.
For adults weighing over 40kg, the usual dose to treat flu is 75mg twice a day for 5 days, and the usual dose to prevent flu is 75mg once a day for 10 days. Each pack contains 10 capsules, which covers either course.
Your prescriber may adjust the dose or course length if you have kidney problems or a weakened immune system. Always follow the directions on your prescription label.
How quickly you recover is different for everybody. Many people start to feel better within a few days of starting Tamiflu, and it can shorten the time you have symptoms by around a day.
If your symptoms get worse, or you have not started to improve after 7 days, seek medical advice.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can usually be taken alongside Tamiflu for fever and aches, if they’re suitable for you. Follow the packet instructions.
Check cold and flu remedies before taking them, as many already contain paracetamol. Tell your prescriber about all medicines and supplements you take.
Yes. Tamiflu does not affect how well the flu jab works, and having the vaccine doesn’t stop you taking Tamiflu if you need it. If you’ve recently had, or are due to have, the nasal spray flu vaccine, tell your prescriber, as antivirals can stop it working properly.
Tamiflu can be prescribed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when appropriate. Pregnant women are at higher risk of complications from flu, so treatment is often recommended. Let your prescriber know during your consultation so they can assess your circumstances and offer you the right guidance.
There are no known interactions between alcohol and Tamiflu. But, it’s a good idea to avoid alcohol while you have flu, as it can make you feel worse and slow your recovery.
Tamiflu should not affect your ability to drive. But, flu itself can make you feel very tired and unwell. If you feel dizzy or unwell, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.
Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including ones you buy without a prescription. In particular, mention:
- Methotrexate
- Probenecid, used for gout
- Chlorpropamide, used for diabetes
- Phenylbutazone
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have severe difficulty breathing, sudden chest pain or are coughing up blood.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 urgently if you feel severely unwell, are short of breath, cannot keep fluids down or are passing very little urine. Do not wait for a delivery if you need urgent care.
Patient Information Leaflet
Regulated and Safe
General Pharmaceutical Council
My Chemist Plus is registered and regulated by the GPhC, who are the official body that regulates and inspects all pharmacies in the UK. They are responsible to ensure we provide the highest standards in care.
LegitScript certification
My Chemist Plus is certified by Legit Script, who monitors online pharmacies to evaluate compliance, adherence and licensing to regulation.
References
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Influenza – seasonal. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/influenza-seasonal/
- UK Health Security Agency. Guidance on use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal influenza. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/influenza-treatment-and-prophylaxis-using-anti-viral-agents
- NHS. Flu. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
- EMC Patient Information Leaflet (Tamiflu 75mg Hard Capsules, Roche). Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1194/pi
