Tamiflu While Pregnant

Updated on March 24, 2012
A.K. asks from Simi Valley, CA
9 answers

Hi all,
My son is sick with the flu and when I took him to the pediatrician, he advised me to talk to my ob because I am having symptoms of the flu as well. My ob prescribed tamiflu over the phone, while telling me that tamiflu is class c, which means that there is little known about the health risks to the fetus. I am 14 weeks pregnant. I am wavering on taking the tamiflu. I read that there are risks to flu during pregnancy as well. I don't have a fever and have a chance to rest the next few days. Any one experienced with this? What did you decide? Tamiflu or no? I have till tomorrow to take it and be in the 48 hour window. Edit: my son is three, I do have to take care of him but have some help, I feel like staying in bed but can get around at home if I have to.

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B.W.

answers from Louisville on

While I was pregnant, the swine flu started. There were 3-4 people in my office who came down with it and my ob gave me a prescription to get filled for prevention. He told me the same thing, class c, little known about the risk to the baby. I struggled with it, but ultimately decided not to take it. I washed my hands like a crazy woman, was careful what I touched around the office, etc. I never had any symptoms of the flu and did not get it.

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W..

answers from Chicago on

Honestly, I would talk to a pharmacist. They know WAY more about drugs than any doctor. If I have any questions about drug or interactions or side effects it's always the pharmacist I go to for advice.

How sick are you? It's a tough call. Personally, if I thought I could hang tough I probably wouldn't take it at 14 weeks, but the flu can be potentially just as dangerous, depending on how sick you get.

Do you have support? Can you do NOTHING but go to bed and stay there until you feel better? Can you hire help if you don't have a helpful hubby? How old is your son, who is also sick?

All of those things would factor into my decision.

Good luck and I hope you feel better.

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L.*.

answers from Chicago on

I wouldn't take it . Tamiflu lessens the symptoms that is all . When my kids had H1 n1 they took it but at the time they didn't give it to older kids because of side effects. Just od the usuall stuff to get better chicken soup (really works ), lots of fluids and rest . You will be fine =0)

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M.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I would not risk it.

From http://www.rxlist.com/tamiflu-drug.htm
What are the possible side effects of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?

Stop using oseltamivir and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; a red and blistering or peeling skin rash.

Some people using oseltamivir have had rare side effects of sudden confusion, delirium, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or self-injury. These symptoms have occurred most often in children. It is not known whether oseltamivir was the exact cause of these symptoms. However, anyone using oseltamivir should be watched...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Tamiflu »

What are the precautions when taking oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu)?

Before taking oseltamivir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before...

Read All Potential Precautions of Tamiflu »
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They say that the most common side effects occur in children. How much more so for a developing baby in utero? Your child is developing the very basic parts of his body, the brain, the neurological system, digstive system, eyes, ears, etc. I would not risk an interuption in this for my babies. They just don't know the long term effects.

Instead, up your Vit D, Vit C, sunshine. Cut out sugar, eat fruit and vegies. Be proactive in your health, not reactive.

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B..

answers from Dallas on

If I didn't have a fever, I wouldn't take it...personally. I totally agree with talking to a pharmacist. MD's don't actually have to know much about pharmaceuticals.

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L.J.

answers from San Diego on

I would suggest NOT taking the Tamiflu, especially at 14 weeks. Follow the old rest and fluids, and once this passes, get a flu shot (if you have not already). I have taken Tamiflu while not pregnant, and it really didn't shorten the severity or symptoms all that much.

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M.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I wouldn't take it. Just deal with the sickness and get through it. I hate taking medicine while pregnant. Good luck with your pregnancy and I hope your guys recover quickly!

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I don't like to take any meds in general so if it were me, I wouldn't risk it. However, I'm the woman who has NO intercourse at all during pregnancy because I dont want to jeopardize the pregnancy. If you are not deathly sick from the flu, I would just say wait it out...better safe than sorry. Good luck.

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J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

NO WAY!

I error on the side of caution. But that, being said, My grandmother was given DES to help her not miscarriage and those women born to women who took DES have a crazy increase in cervical cancer...50 year later. We didn't know it back then, it was considered safe. Thalidomide was a tranquilizer to relax moms and those babies were born without limbs or defects in them.

Oscillococciunum is a WAY safer alternative. Good luck. Lots of rest, no sugar and plenty of water.

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