Flu Treatment Product Information
This flu treatment is an antiviral medication containing an active ingredient that inhibits an enzyme known as neuraminidase, preventing the influenza virus that causes flu from spreading to other cells in the body following an infection.
This treatment can be used by individuals who are currently experiencing a flu infection to reduce the duration and severity of common flu symptoms, such as a sudden high temperature (fever), body aches and cough.
This treatment can also be used by individuals who do not currently have the flu but wish to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
The dosage and treatment course differs depending on whether it is used to treat an ongoing flu infection or prevent future infection.
How does this flu treatment work?
The active ingredient in this flu treatment inhibits the neuraminidase enzyme in the body, preventing the
release of new influenza particles from infected cells and subsequently stopping the virus from spreading between
infected and healthy cells.
When influenza virus particles attach to the surface of a cell, they cause a flu infection. These viral particles
stay attached to the infected cell due to a molecule known as sialic acid and can spread to other cells if an enzyme
called ‘neuraminidase’ cuts through the sialic acid molecules that hold the virus particles to the
infected cell.
This treatment inhibits the neuraminidase enzyme, preventing viral particles from spreading. This causes the infection to
remain localised (in one place), increasing the immune system’s ability to fight the infection for faster
recovery.
How effective is this flu treatment?
This flu treatment is most effective at treating an ongoing flu infection when it is taken within 48 hours of experiencing flu symptoms.
This treatment is also effective at preventing seasonal outbreaks of the flu if it is taken for up to 6 weeks, although the exact effectiveness of the medication depends on individual factors.
Individuals who wish to learn more about how effective this treatment will be for them are recommended to consult a pharmacist or doctor.
What dose of this flu treatment should I take?
The recommended dose of this flu treatment depends on the patient’s body weight and whether they are looking to treat an
ongoing flu infection or prevent a flu infection from occurring.
- Individuals who weigh more than 40kg and wish to treat a flu infection should take 75mg of this treatment twice per day
for 5 days. The 5-day course of treatment must be completed, even if the individual feels better earlier on
during treatment.
- Individuals who weigh more than 40kg and wish to prevent seasonal outbreaks of the flu should take 75mg of
this treatment once per day for up to 6 weeks.
- Individuals who weigh less than 40kg should consult a doctor about other flu treatments or prevention options.
When should I take this flu treatment?
This flu treatment should be taken as soon as possible to treat a flu infection, provided you are eligible for treatment after
completing our online consultation for flu treatment.
How should I take this flu treatment?
Swallow the capsules whole with water, with or without food. Do not break or chew the capsules and take the
medication exactly as prescribed.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of this flu treatment, do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Continue treatment as instructed by the pharmacist or doctor, skipping the missed dose and completing the course as
prescribed by the pharmacist or doctor.
How long does this flu treatment take to work?
This flu treatment takes at least 5 days to work depending on whether it is taken to treat an ongoing flu infection or prevent
an infection from occurring.
Flu treatment - it takes 5 days of treatment with this treatment option, consisting of two 75mg doses per day, to treat an
ongoing flu infection in individuals who weigh more than 40kg.
Flu prevention - this treatment option requires 10 days of use, with a daily dose of 75mg, to help prevent a flu infection in individuals exposed to someone who is infected.
Always adhere to the prescribed courses for this flu treatment and do not take the medication without consulting a pharmacist or
doctor.
Can I take this flu treatment to treat a cold?
This flu treatment is specifically designed to treat flu infections caused by the influenza virus and should not be taken to
treat a cold, which is caused by a different type of virus known as the rhinovirus.
While some of the symptoms of a common cold overlap with flu symptoms, such as a runny nose and mild sore throat,
this flu treatment will not improve cold symptoms.
Individuals experiencing a cold are recommended to see a GP to confirm the diagnosis and take treatments that are
formulated to help alleviate cold symptoms, such as Paracetamol, Lemsip Sachets, Lemsip Max Sachets or Lemsip Max Capsules.
How does this flu treatment help flu symptoms?
This flu treatment blocks the neuraminidase enzyme from aiding the spread of the influenza virus between infected and healthy
cells in the body.
This reduces the duration of a flu outbreak, preventing common flu symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches and a
cough from getting worse.
How long is the flu contagious after taking this flu treatment?
This flu treatment is formulated to help eliminate the influenza virus. With that said, some individuals may remain contagious
after treatment with this flu treatment, though the risk of spreading the virus to others is greatly reduced after completing
the prescribed course of treatment.
It is advisable to consult a doctor after completing the full course of treatment to accurately determine whether you
are still contagious with the flu after taking this flu treatment.
Is this flu treatment an antibiotic?
This flu treatment is not an antibiotic. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, while this flu treatment is an antiviral
medication used specifically for treating infections caused by the influenza virus.
Can I buy this flu treatment over the counter?
This flu treatment cannot be bought over the counter as it is a prescription-only medication. Individuals who wish to take this flu treatment can complete our free online consultation for cold and flu treatment to determine treatment eligibility.
Can I drink alcohol when taking this flu treatment?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol when taking this flu treatment, as alcohol is known to interfere with the body’s
immune response, potentially weakening your ability to fight the flu during treatment.