Prescription Meds For The Flu

What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of reach of children. Store the capsules at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . Commercial oseltamivir suspension can be kept at room temperature for up to 10 days or in the refrigerator for up to 17 days. Oseltamivir suspension prepared by a pharmacist can be kept at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 35 days. Do not freeze oseltamivir suspension.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Prescription Medications: Antiviral Drugs

Prescription antiviral drugs can help reduce flu symptoms and prevent related complications. These drugs prevent the virus from growing and replicating.

Common antiviral prescriptions include neuraminidase inhibitors:

• zanamivir

Food and Drug Administration also approved a new medication called baloxavir marboxil in October 2018. It can treat people ages 12 years and older who have had flu symptoms for less than 48 hours. It works differently than the neuraminidase inhibitors.

For maximum effectiveness, antiviral drugs must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. If taken right away, antiviral medications can also help shorten the duration of the flu.

Antiviral medications are also used in flu prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , neuraminidase inhibitors have a 70 to 90 percent success rate in preventing the flu.

During a flu outbreak, a doctor will often give individuals who have a higher chance of contracting the virus an antiviral along with the flu vaccine. This combination helps bolster their defenses against infection.

People who cant be vaccinated can help their bodys defenses by taking an antiviral drug. People who cannot be vaccinated include infants younger than 6 months and people who are allergic to the vaccine.

Overuse can also limit availability for individuals at higher risk who need this medication to prevent serious flu-related illness.

The antiviral medications most commonly prescribed are:

• zanamivir

Use Of Antiviral Medications To Treat Influenza

Outbreaks of influenza occur every year and typically reach epidemic levels at some part of the season. Usually, uncomplicated influenza gets better with or without antiviral treatment but may cause substantial discomfort and limit activities while it lasts.

Many people with uncomplicated influenza use over-the-counter medicines, get rest, and take plenty of fluids to lessen their symptoms. Antiviral drugs available by prescription can reduce the time it takes for symptoms to improve, and some are also used in selected situations to reduce the chance of illness in people exposed to influenza virus. Prompt medical evaluation is important for early treatment of influenza as the antiviral drugs may provide the most benefit for patients who initiate therapy within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Symptoms of influenza may mimic other infections which require different treatment . It is important to be evaluated by a healthcare provider, if symptoms are severe or worsening or if there is an underlying chronic medical condition. Laboratory tests can help detect influenza virus. However, a negative test does not always rule out the possibility of an influenza virus infection, and positive tests do not exclude the possibility of other illnesses or take the place of clinical evaluation.

For more information and public health recommendations about circulating influenza virus, including resistance patterns for specific drugs, go to Flu.gov or to the CDC and WHO websites.

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What Should I Do If I Think I Am Sick With Flu

If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs are a treatment option. Check with your doctor promptly if you are at higher risk of serious flu complications and you develop flu symptoms. Flu signs and symptoms can include feeling feverish or having a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat your flu illness.

What Are The Recommended Antiviral Drugs For Children

At the first sign of flu symptoms, talk to your doctor about whether antiviral drugs might benefit your child. These flu drugs can help a child get better sooner and may prevent serious flu complications.

Antivirals work best when taken during the first two days of illness. The first dose should be taken within 48 hours of when symptoms started.

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Why Is This Medication Prescribed

Oseltamivir is used to treat some types of influenza infection in adults, children, and infants who have had symptoms of the flu for no longer than 2 days. This medication is also used to prevent some types of flu in adults and children when they have spent time with someone who has the flu or when there is a flu outbreak. Oseltamivir is in a class of medications called neuraminidase inhibitors. It works by stopping the spread of the flu virus in the body. Oseltamivir helps shorten the time that flu symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle or joint aches, tiredness, headache, fever, and chills last. Oseltamivir will not prevent bacterial infections, which may occur as a complication of the flu.

Which Flu Treatment Works Best For My Cough

An occasional cough may clear the lung of pollutants and excess phlegm. A persistent cough should be diagnosed and treated specifically. On the pharmacy shelf, you’ll find numerous cough medicines with various combinations of decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics/antipyretics, cough suppressants, and expectorants. Ask your pharmacist which combination, if any, would be appropriate for your cough.Ã Some research suggests that honey may help suppress a cough- but do not use in anyone under the age of one as it may cause a type of food poisoning called botulism in younger children.

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What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is no longer than 2 hours before your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. If you miss several doses, call your doctor for directions. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How Long Should Antiviral Drugs Be Taken

The duration for different drugs to treat flu varies as follows:

• Oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir: A patient should take this drug for 5 days.
• Intravenous peramivir or oral Baloxavir: The doctor gives these drugs for 1 day.

The doctor will usually give oseltamivir to a patient who is hospitalized. Some patients may require more than 5 days of oseltamivir therapy.

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Table 2 Recommended Dosage And Duration Of Influenza Antiviral Medications For Treatment Or Chemoprophylaxis

Abbreviations: N/A = not approved

• Treatment: Recommended duration for antiviral treatment is 5 days for oral oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir. For the treatment of uncomplicated influenza with intravenous peramivir or oral baloxavir, a single dose is recommended. Longer daily dosing can be considered for patients who remain severely ill after 5 days of treatment. Treatment should be started as soon as possible for the greatest clinical benefit.
• Chemoprophylaxis: Recommended duration is 7 days . For control of outbreaks in institutional settings and hospitals, CDC recommends antiviral chemoprophylaxis with oral oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir for a minimum of 2 weeks and continuing up to 1 week after the last known case was identified. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all residents, including those who have received influenza vaccination. Baloxavir is approved for post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza in persons aged 5 years and older within 48 hours of contact with an individual with influenza.

What Are Flu Antiviral Drugs

Flu antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against flu viruses in your body. Antiviral drugs are not sold over the counter. You can only get them if you have a prescription from a health care provider. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections.

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Centre Sent An Advisory To States Amid The Tomato Flu Outbreak In Its Advisory It Asked To Follow Preventive Measures As No Specific Drug Exists To Treat It

Image: PTI

Amid a sudden increase in cases of a new fever called ‘Tomato flu’, the Centre on Tuesday asked the states to follow preventive measures, stressing that there is no specific medication to treat the viral disease.

Centre on Tuesday sent an advisory to states on Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease which is commonly known as Tomato Flu. According to the centre, it is a self-limiting illness targetting mostly young children mostly under 10 years of age. However, it can occur in immune-compromised adults too.

Although the Tomato Flu virus shows symptoms similar to other viral infections , the virus is not related to SARS-CoV-2, monkeypox, dengue, or chikungunya, the Centre in its advisory further said.

Advisory said that the best solution is to maintain proper hygiene and sanitization of the surrounding. It further stated that isolation should be followed for five-seven days from the onset of any symptom to prevent the spread of infection to other children or adults.

What Is Tomato Flu

Tomato flu or tomato fever is a viral disease that derives its name from the tomato-shaped blisters that occur on body parts of those infected. It is a self-limiting disease, as the signs and symptoms resolve after a few days.

“Although the tomato flu virus shows symptoms similar to other viral infections , the virus is not at all related to SARS-CoV-2, monkeypox, dengue and/or chikungunya,” the Centre said.

“In fact, recent reports have suggested it to be Coxsackie A 17 that belongs to the group of enteroviruses,” the advisory further said.

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Which Antiviral Drugs Are Recommended For Both Treatment And Prevention Of The Flu

The CDC recommends the antiviral drugs baloxavir marboxil , oseltamivir , and zanamivir for both flu prevention and treatment..

Baloxavir marboxil is taken orally and is approved for use in treatment of children 12 years of age and older.

Oseltamivir, which is taken by mouth, is approved for treating flu in those over 2 weeks of age and preventing flu in people one year of age and older.

Peramivir, given in one intravenous dose, is approved for people over the age of 2 for treatment only.

Zanamivir is approved for treating flu in people 7 years and older and for preventing flu in people 5 years and older. Relenza is inhaled through the mouth.

All four antivirals are most effective when given within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, although they may still prevent severe flu complications when given more than 48 hours after symptoms appear.

For in-depth information, see WebMD’s Flu Prevention Strategies.

When Do I Call The Doctor About Flu Antiviral Drugs

Ideally, you should talk to your doctor about the flu vaccine and antiviral drugs, including side effects, before the flu season begins.

When you do get flu symptoms, it’s important to call your doctor soon after symptoms appear. Flu drugs are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms, although they may help prevent severe disease when taken later.

Show Sources

American Academy of Family Physicians: “Tips for Treating the Flu.” American Lung Association: “Influenza Fact Sheet.” Mayo Clinic: “Flu Shot: Your best shot for avoiding influenza.” CDC: “Good Health Habits for Prevention ” “Key Facts About Antiviral Drugs and Influenza and “Seasonal Influenza: What You Should Know about Flu Antiviral Drugs.” UpToDate: Antiviral Drugs for the Treatment of Influenza in Adults. FDA: “FDA approves Rapivab to treat flu infection.”

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Prescription Medications For Colds Or Flu

• Nasal Steroids

The first line of treatment for the common cold and influenza is self-care as you allow these viral illnesses to simply run their course. But there are cases in which you may need a medical evaluation and prescription medication to tame severe symptoms, prevent a worsening of your condition, or avoid related complications.

Cough suppressants, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids are prescription cold and/or flu medications that can help provide you some symptom relief, while the main job of antivirals and antibiotics is to stop what’s causing your illness in its tracks.

Who Should Take Antiviral Drugs

Its very important that flu antiviral drugs are started as soon as possible to treat patients who are hospitalized with flu, people who are very sick with flu but who do not need to be hospitalized, and people who are at higher risk of serious flu complications based on their age or health, if they develop flu symptoms. Although other people with mild illness who are not at higher risk of flu complications may also be treated early with antiviral drugs by their doctor, most people who are otherwise healthy and not at higher risk for flu complications do not need to be treated with antiviral drugs.

Following is a list of all the health and age factors that are known to increase a persons risk of getting serious complications from flu:

• Asthma
• Blood disorders
• Chronic lung disease
• Endocrine disorders
• Heart disease
• Kidney disorders
• Metabolic disorders
• People who are obese with a body mass index of 40 or higher
• People younger than 19 years of age on long-term aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications.
• People with a weakened immune system due to disease or medications

Other people at higher risk from flu:

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Who Should Get An Annual Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following groups receive an annual flu vaccine shot between November and February :

• All people aged six months and older.

It is especially important for certain individuals at high risk of flu complications and those who come in contact with people at high risk of complications to receive the flu vaccine. These people at high risk include:

• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
• People who have chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney and liver disorders and chronic lung diseases.
• People with a weakened immune system, for example, people with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or chronic steroid users.
• Household members and caregivers of patients at risk of complications from the flu.
• Women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season .
• Healthcare workers who come into close contact with patients in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare facilities.
• Infants and children ages six months through 18 years who are taking long-term aspirin therapy. This puts these individuals at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after flu infection.
• American Indians/Alaska natives.
• People who have close contact with children under five years of age for example, people who live with children, nannies and providers of daycare services.
• People who are morbidly obese .

Which Flu Treatment Is Best For My Sore Throat

Drinking lots of fluids and using salt water gargles can often be helpful for easing the pain of a sore throat. Over-the-counter pain relievers and medicated lozenges and gargles can also temporarily soothe a sore throat. Get your doctor’s approval before using any medications, including over-the-counter drugs, and don’t use lozenges or gargles for more than a few days. Call your doctor if your throat is still sore after a couple of days or if it is severe.The medications could mask signs of strep throat, a bacterial infection that should be treated with antibiotics.

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Centre On Tomato Flu: While There Is No Specific Medication To Treat Tomato Flu The Centre Advised Isolation Rest Drinking Plenty Of Fluids And Hot Water Sponge For Relief Of Irritation And Rashes

By: ABP News Bureau|Updated at : 23 Aug 2022 09:41 PM

The first case of tomato flu was reported in Kollam district of Kerala on May 6

The Centre on Tuesday issued an advisory to prevent the spread of tomato flu, which has infected more than 82 children in the country, PTI reported. While there is no specific medication to treat tomato flu, a variant of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease , the Centre advised isolation, rest, drinking plenty of fluids and hot water sponge for relief of irritation and rashes.

Tomato flu occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age, but it can occur in adults too. The Centre said children must be educated about the signs and symptoms and side-effects of the illness.

The first case of tomato flu was reported in Kollam district of Kerala on May 6 this year. The disease has so far been reported in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Odisha, PTI reported.