Tamiflu vs. Xofluza

Tamiflu (oscltamivir phosphate) and Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) are antiviral medications used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Tamiflu and Xofluza will not treat the common cold.

Tamiflu may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms.

Side effects of Tamiflu and Xofluza that are similar include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and cough/bronchitis.

Side effects of Tamiflu that are different from Xofluza include vomiting, dizziness, nosebleed, eye redness or discomfort, sleep problems (insomnia), and other respiratory problems.

Side effects of Xofluza that are different from Tamiflu include runny or stuffy nose.

Both Tamiflu and Xofluza may interact with other vaccines.

Xofluza may also interact with laxatives, antacids, antiviral drugs, and oral supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc.

Side effects of Tamiflu include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• nosebleed,
• eye redness or discomfort,
• sleep problems (insomnia), or
• cough or other respiratory problems.
• The flu itself or Tamiflu may rarely cause serious mental/mood changes. This may be more likely in children. Tell your doctor of any signs of unusual behavior, including confusion, agitation, or self-injury.

Common side effects of Xofluza include:

• diarrhea,
• bronchitis,
• runny or stuffy nose,
• headache, and
• nausea

Tamiflu (oscltamivir phosphate) is an antiviral medication used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Tamiflu may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Tamiflu will not treat the common cold.

Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is a polymerase acidic (PA) endonuclease inhibitor indicated for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients 12 years of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours.

There may be other drugs that can interact with Tamiflu. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Xofluza may interact with laxatives, antacids, or oral supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc; antiviral drugs, or other recent vaccines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use and all vaccines you recently received.

Take a single dose of Xofluza orally within 48 hours of symptom onset with or without food. The dose of Xofluza depends on weight.

Lithium doses vary widely and are adjusted based on measurements of the levels of lithium in the blood. Most patients require 900-1200 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses.