Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Tamiflu Dosage Beyond The Early Stage Of Flu Symptoms Cause Any Adverse Damage To The Immune System?
Question: Hi, doctor. Have had the flu now for approx 9 days. Had Tamiflu in the house and took one pill last night. Spoke with my doctor this morning and he said to stop since Tamiflu is only effective taking within first 3 days of symptoms and if not better in a few days, he will prescribe Z-Pac. Question - first, do u agree with his assessment and also, did I do any adverse damage to immune system by taking that one Tamiflu pill last night ?
Brief Answer:
Please read the answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First of all, it's not right to take medications without a diagnosis unless suggested by a doctor. Drugs may cause side effects. Tamiflu works best when used during the first couple of days of influenza only! What we call the flu may include other viral infections as well. Tamiflu is not effective against any of them. Prescribing azithromycin without seeing the patient is another thing I disagree with.
If you have a high temperature then clinical examination by a doctor is indicated before deciding on any treatment. If you don't have a fever and you only have a runny nose or cough then this is probably not influenza. Please keep in mind that Azithromycin is only effective against bacteria. Viral infections won't get better with it.
Tamiflu does not cause immune-related adverse effects, at least not commonly.
I would suggest visiting a doctor in person for proper assessment and instructions.
Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis
Internal Medicine Specialist
Please read the answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First of all, it's not right to take medications without a diagnosis unless suggested by a doctor. Drugs may cause side effects. Tamiflu works best when used during the first couple of days of influenza only! What we call the flu may include other viral infections as well. Tamiflu is not effective against any of them. Prescribing azithromycin without seeing the patient is another thing I disagree with.
If you have a high temperature then clinical examination by a doctor is indicated before deciding on any treatment. If you don't have a fever and you only have a runny nose or cough then this is probably not influenza. Please keep in mind that Azithromycin is only effective against bacteria. Viral infections won't get better with it.
Tamiflu does not cause immune-related adverse effects, at least not commonly.
I would suggest visiting a doctor in person for proper assessment and instructions.
Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis
Internal Medicine Specialist
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Saisudha Kotla
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
