Here’s what you need to know.
What are Xofluxa and Tamiflu?
Xofluza and Tamiflu are used to shorten the duration of an active flu—specifically flus caused by the influenza A and B viruses. They both work to reduce symptom severity, shorten the duration of symptoms, and lower your risk of being hospitalized.
While these medications do treat the flu, they are not replacements for your yearly flu shot.
Forms and strengths
Tamiflu, generic oseltamivir, and Xofluza come in different forms and strengths:
- Tamiflu and oseltamivir: 20 mg, 45 mg and 75 mg capsules, and 6 mg/ml bottle of liquid
- Xofluza: 20 mg and 40 mg tablets
Dosing
Whether your doctor prescribes Xofluza or Tamiflu, you should start taking the medication within the first 48 hours of your flu symptoms appearing.
Tamiflu
To treat an active flu, adults and adolescents 13 years of age and older should take one 75 mg tablet of Tamiflu twice daily for five days, or 12.5 ml of the oral suspension twice daily for five days. Dosing for pediatric patients 2 weeks of age through 12 years of age will depend on weight and must be determined by a doctor.
In addition to treating the flu, Tamiflu can also be used for flu prevention. The 75 mg tablet is commonly used for flu prevention in those 13 years or older and should be taken once daily for 10 days.
Xofluza
Dosing for Xofluza is based on weight. Adults and adolescents weighing 40 kg to 80 kg should take two 20 mg tablets, and patients weighing at least 80 kg should take two 40 mg tablets.
Unlike Tamiflu, Xofluza cannot be used to prevent the flu.
What are the most common side effects of Xofluza and Tamiflu?
The most common side effects associated with Tamiflu and Xofluza are as follows:
- Tamiflu: nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, headache and pain
- Xofluza: diarrhea, bronchitis, common cold, headache and nausea
How much do Xofluza and Tamiflu cost?
Tamiflu is available as generic oseltamivir, which can cost as little as $50 for a typical prescription with a GoodRx coupon.
One dose of Xofluza costs around $150, but there is a coupon available from the manufacturer to help offset the hefty price tag. If you qualify, this coupon can bring the cost of your prescription down to as little as $30.
Advantages and disadvantages
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