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10.9: Antiviral Drugs Patient Teaching

  • Page ID
    90427
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    Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is prescribed to individuals diagnosed with influenza. Patient teaching is essential and should include the following.

    • It is only effective against influenza viruses and is not effective against other respiratory viruses or bacterial infections.
    • It can help alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
    • It can reduce the duration of symptoms by about one day on average and may decrease the risk of complications like pneumonia in some cases.
    • It is crucial to follow the healthcare provider's instructions and complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve.
    • Common side effects of Tamiflu may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and abdominal pain.
    • These side effects are generally mild and temporary. Severe allergic reactions to Tamiflu are rare but should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

    Paxlovid is a medication used for the treatment of COVID-19. Patient education for Paxlovid is essential to ensure that individuals understand how to take the medication correctly and follow all safety measures during and after treatment. It's crucial to emphasize the importance of early treatment and compliance with the prescribed regimen to maximize its effectiveness in managing COVID-19. Paxlovid is prescribed to individuals with confirmed COVID-19 who are at risk of developing severe disease or complications. It is typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate symptoms within the first five days of symptom onset.

    • Patients should take Paxlovid precisely as prescribed by their provider, following the dosing instructions provided. Paxlovid should be taken with food, as this enhances its absorption.
    • Common side effects of Paxlovid may include diarrhea, headache, nausea, and fatigue.
    • Patients should report any unusual or severe side effects to their provider.
    • Patients receiving Paxlovid may need regular monitoring by their provider to assess their response to treatment and potential side effects. Patients should continue to follow all recommended COVID-19 safety measures, including wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding close contact with others, especially during the contagious phase of the illness.
    • Patients should seek immediate medical attention if COVID-19 symptoms worsen or if breathing difficulties or severe symptoms develop. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2022, 2023.)


      This page titled 10.9: Antiviral Drugs Patient Teaching is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Anna Jannak (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI)) .

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