Can I take Tamiflu while pregnant?

Understanding Tamiflu Use During Pregnancy
As the flu season approaches, many expectant mothers may find themselves questioning the safety of medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) during pregnancy. This antiviral medication is commonly prescribed to treat influenza, but its use in pregnant women raises important considerations.
Safety Profile of Tamiflu
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tamiflu is generally considered safe for pregnant women when prescribed by a healthcare professional. The CDC recommends it as the preferred treatment for pregnant women with suspected or confirmed influenza due to the substantial data supporting its safety profile.
The medication falls under the AU TGA pregnancy category B1Can I Take Tamiflu While Pregnant?
The short answer is yes, you can take Tamiflu (oseltamivir) while pregnant, but it should be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tamiflu is considered a pregnancy category B drug, which means animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA recommend Tamiflu as the preferred antiviral medication for the treatment of influenza in pregnant women. This is because Tamiflu has the most available data to suggest it is safe for use during pregnancy.
Benefits of Taking Tamiflu During Pregnancy:
– Reduces the severity and duration of flu symptoms
– Can help prevent serious complications from the flu, which can be more severe in pregnant women
– Research shows Tamiflu does not increase the risk of birth defects or other adverse pregnancy outcomes
Precautions and Considerations:
– Always consult your obstetrician before taking Tamiflu or any other medication during pregnancy.
– Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment based on your specific situation.
– Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions you have, as Tamiflu may not be suitable in all cases.
In summary, Tamiflu can be safely taken during pregnancy when prescribed by a healthcare provider. The benefits of treating the flu often outweigh the potential risks, but it’s important to have an open discussion with your doctor about your individual circumstances.

How can I fight the cold and flu while pregnant?

Treatment for colds during pregnancy

1. resting.
2. staying hydrated.
3. lying down with the head elevated, as this may help with congestion.
4. using saline nasal spray to unblock the nose.
5. applying warm compresses to the head or sinuses.
6. inhaling steam from showers or a bowl of hot water.
7. taking honey to soothe a sore throat.

What if I get the flu in early pregnancy?

Fever from the flu early in pregnancy may be linked to birth defects, like neural tube defects, and other problems in your baby.

Is it safe to take Tamiflu while pregnant?

Even though these small amounts of Tamiflu cross to the baby, studies haven’t shown any risk of birth defects from it. In fact, Tamiflu is considered the first-choice antiviral medication for the flu during pregnancy because it has the most studies available to show it is safe and effective.

Can the flu cause me to miscarry?

Influenza can also be dangerous for your unborn baby. In early pregnancy, the illness can cause miscarriage while in later pregnancy, it may lead to stillbirth (the baby dying inside the uterus). The flu can also cause you to give birth earlier than expected (premature labour and birth).

How long is the flu contagious?

Most healthy children and adults with the flu can infect others beginning about one day before developing any symptoms and up to seven days after the symptoms resolve. People with weakened immune systems can remain contagious for up to several weeks.

Can mothers pass flu to baby?

Flu is not transmitted through breast milk
The flu is spread mainly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can also possibly spread when a person touches a surface or object that has the flu virus and then touches their own mouth or nose.

What can you take for flu when pregnant?

Pregnancy-Safe Cold & Flu Medication

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Safe during the entire pregnancy. Take only as needed.
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Safe in the second and third trimester.
• Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) Safe during pregnancy.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Safe throughout pregnancy.

What are the most common side effects of Tamiflu?

Usually, nausea and vomiting are not severe and happen in the first 2 days of treatment. Taking Tamiflu with food may lessen the chance of getting these side effects. Other side effects include stomach (abdominal) pain, nosebleeds, headache, and feeling tired (fatigue).

How do you treat the flu while pregnant?

Pregnant women who think they might have flu should speak to their doctor. They might be offered treatment with antivirals to help reduce the chance of flu complications. Symptoms of flu can be treated at home using self-care measures such as rest and sleep, keeping warm, and adequate fluid intake.

Can influenza harm unborn baby?

Influenza (‘the flu’) is a viral infection that can cause serious complications in pregnancy for you and your baby. The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect you and your baby from catching the flu — it’s free if you’re pregnant, under the National Immunisation Program.