What are the side effects of antiviral drugs?
Side effects differ for each antiviral drug. Tamiflu has been in use since 1999. The most common side effects are nausea or vomiting which usually happen in the first 2 days of treatment. Taking Tamiflu with food can reduce the chance of getting these side effects. Relenza has been in use since 1999. The most common side effects are dizziness, sinusitis, runny or stuffy nose, cough, diarrhea, nausea, or headache. Relenza may also cause wheezing and trouble breathing in people with lung disease. Confusion and abnormal behavior leading to injury has been observed rarely in people with the flu, mostly children, who were treated with Tamiflu or Relenza. Flu can also cause these behaviors. But persons taking these drugs should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior or problems thinking clearly. This behavior should be immediately reported to a health care provider. If an antiviral drug has been prescribed for you, ask your doctor to explain how to use the drug and any possible s
