Oseltamivir and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• flu...
• January 17, 2013

For Influenza "Husband became suddenly violently ill on Friday. On Sunday, 4-year-old daughter started running a fever that went away. On Monday, 4-year-old's fever was back mid-afternoon, husband barely moving. 4-year-old had diarrhea as well. On Tuesday, 4-year-old tested positive for Type B, got liquid Tamiflu. Very sick Tuesday morning, took first dose that afternoon. Daughter vomited. Wednesday, daughter was obviously better, husband still horribly sick. Thursday, daughter is up and dancing. Still have diarrhea, but will take this over husband's version any day. Expensive though."

• tra...
• February 16, 2016

For Influenza "I was given Tamiflu on Sunday, February 14th. My fever broke that evening, and the aches went away, but Tuesday morning, I was so nauseous and had bad stomach cramps and diarrhea. I couldn't function. Missed another day of work. Not sure side effects are worth it. Prescription was expensive, and all I can say is my fever is gone. Not sure if it was the meds or just the flu running its course. Recommend not taking it. Sometimes the cure is worse than the ailment."

• One...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2019

For Influenza "Tamiflu was amazingly effective the first time I got the flu this year. No side effects, and within three days, I felt a world of difference. However, after getting reinfected a few days ago, this time it has only made me feel so much worse. The nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting have been ridiculous. I already have chronic nausea, so it's only exacerbated the condition. I'm stopping taking them today because I'm tired of getting home extra late after work due to having to leave work AND get off my buses early to puke and poop every 45 minutes. Rite Aid's 'Maximum Strength Nighttime Severe Cold & Flu' is significantly more effective, and so far I've not experienced any side effects (nausea is still there, but I'm pretty sure it's my GI issues and not the medication itself). If Tamiflu works for you, then please don't take my experience as word of law, and take it, it just isn't worth it for me to take it."

• Tar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2019

For Influenza "My 1.5-year-old daughter got diagnosed with the flu and was given Tamiflu. She ended up being admitted to the hospital for severe vomiting and diarrhea, she was taken off of it. My husband and I were both given Tamiflu as well. On day 3 of taking it, we both became violently ill. I am still sick: vomiting, cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. These are not typical flu symptoms, and so I can only imagine it is from the drug. Upon further reading up on side effects on the Tamiflu website, this drug can cause liver damage and ulcers. I DO NOT recommend unless absolutely necessary."

• Mar...
• April 13, 2017

For Influenza "Tamiflu is not worth feeling better by half a day (per scientific review)! Physician started me on Tamiflu (flu confirmed by lab). Took exactly as prescribed and fared relatively well the first day. The second day was mostly uneventful. The fifth dose resulted in mild nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The sixth dose was horrible. Shortly after the sixth dose, I experienced acute abdominal pain, severe nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. My abdomen hurt so badly I asked my husband to take me to the ER. The wait was painfully/unbearably long, so I decided to go home. I ate nothing but ice chips for 48 hours. Never made it past the sixth dose. Tamiflu is so overhyped and can have significant side effects."

• Chi...
• April 3, 2015

For Influenza "I started taking it on day 2 after the doctor prescribed. Although I gained some strength back, the tremendous headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were horrible. The worst part was insomnia, I could barely sleep, only slept 2-3 hours at most each time, body still aching."

• Ms ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2018

For Influenza "I went to urgent care after 18 hours of wicked temperatures, cough, feeling miserable. Doctor prescribed Tamiflu 2x a day for 5 days. Had extreme diarrhea within 2 hours of the first dose. By the middle of the night, my fever broke, which was the only good thing. Day 2 of meds, very nauseated, and then insomnia... Not a wink of sleep ALL NIGHT. Not worth feeling like this from a medication."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2021

For Influenza "I was recently diagnosed with the flu after I visited my doctor. I was running a fever on and off, had aches and chills, a headache on and off, and finally my stomach was a little off. One of the doctors at my office prescribed me Tamiflu, and I was on board because I wanted the few symptoms I had to go away. The first day I took it, I had no side effects...the next day, however, the side effects hit me hard. I was up for two hours early in the morning the following day with the worst abdominal pain I had ever had in my life. My stomach was worse than it was when I had the flu, and I had the worst diarrhea of my life. I somehow fell back to sleep, but I woke up later with a fever, and these awful stomach pains lasted for hours. I sat on the toilet for hours as well and actually cried from the pain. I called up my doctor's office, and one of the doctors just told me to stop taking it altogether. I felt worse after taking the medicine, never again."

• D A...
• December 14, 2016

For Influenza "I got influenza A from my son. It was too late for him to take Tamiflu, but his doctor prescribed it for me in case I came down with the flu. I took it within the first 48 hours of beginning symptoms. I had little stomach upset and loose stool, but not too bad. I don't know that it did anything to help me. The only difference between me and my son was my fever stayed lower than his did. I was still just as sick and for the same period of days. The pharmacy info on Tamiflu says it doesn't always help everyone. :("

• Doe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

For Influenza "I went to the doctor because I was having chills, high fever, and muscle pain. They tested me and said I got the flu. They prescribed me Tamiflu, but before I left the doctor's, they gave me 600 mg of Motrin, which immediately resolved my fever and muscle pain. Later, when I got home, I took Tamiflu, and the next 2 days I had extreme abdominal cramps. On a scale of 1-10, the pain was a 10, and this was continuous the entire day. I would constantly wake up in the middle of the night due to my abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. I have never felt a worse pain in my life until I took Tamiflu. I was way better off without it, the medication was expensive as well."

• Mam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2018

For Influenza "I will never ever take Tamiflu again! After the first dose, I had stomach cramps and diarrhea. But after the third dose, I’ve been so dizzy I can’t even close my eyes, nauseous, can’t sleep. I took it at 8:30 pm. It’s currently 2:30 am, and now vomiting. Had I known any of this prior, I would’ve never even started taking it, and I will not continue to take it either!"

• Pfi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2017

For Influenza "Friday night, I began Tamiflu with 600 mg of Advil. My symptoms had grown into full flu agony since Thursday afternoon. By Sunday, I wanted to eat solid food. My complaint is that I have become dehydrated. Drinking fluids whenever I am awake. No nausea or diarrhea. Miracle drug in my view. I am 64 years old, in pretty good health otherwise, diet and exercise are good as well. Your medical history will determine if this is good for you. My husband had the flu shot. Within 24 hrs of me getting the flu, he got it, and not a light case. We are waiting for the doctor today for him."

• Cga...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2020

For Influenza "I started feeling the symptoms on Monday mid-afternoon. Got a prescription for Tamiflu and took it by noon Tuesday, and by Tuesday evening I felt much better. Didn’t think it would work that fast. No vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea. Although the doctor told me ibuprofen and Tylenol for headaches and fever, so I’ve been taking that with it to help."

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2018

For Influenza "I've been prescribed this for the first time. Less than an hour after my first dose, the side effects had me running to the bathroom. Now 3 days in, I've not slept in 2 because I can't get away from the bathroom thanks to terrible diarrhea, and I've also lost 12 pounds. A little absurd. After going back to the hospital about this, I'm informed this is 'normal' and 'expected.' I will never touch this poison again."

• Tam...
• January 9, 2020

For Influenza "I would never recommend this medication to anybody, it caused such horrific stomach cramping and diarrhea. This was the only “new” thing I was taking, and it was unbearable. I’d rather have the flu than ever take this garbage ever again. Waste of $55."

• K9n...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 7, 2018

For Influenza "Today is day 3 of taking Tamiflu, and they weren't kidding when they said possible side effects. I have dizziness, a splitting headache, and diarrhea. However, my flu symptoms have lessened in the first 24 hours. I went to urgent care with a temp of 102+ with nausea, cough, body misery, and earache. I was given an RX for Tamiflu, the pharmacist said to take my first dose right away (it was 6 PM), then the next dose at bedtime. I waited till midnight. Then started the next day at 9 AM and then again at 9 PM and so on. It keeps me awake at night and anxious during the day. I can't wait until it's done in 2 more days. It works, but I don't like it."

• Anonymous
• February 23, 2017

For Influenza "Fever, chills, nausea, pounding migraine. Friday, took a dose Friday night, Saturday morning, and by Saturday night was feeling better. I was skeptical about the drug and scared of vomiting/nausea/diarrhea side effects but glad that I decided to try it. To those who get nauseous taking it, take it with a piece of bread and ginger ale. LITERALLY with a piece of plain bread (I had Hawaiian sliced) and ginger ale. DO NOT eat a heavy meal. The RX says, 'Take it with a meal or a piece of bread.' Nope, do not eat a meal, you will get nauseous. I do want to add that those who are more nauseous than others probably have more mucus in their stomach. Just my opinion. I was taking Mucinex at the same time, so it helped with being nauseous from mucus greatly."

• Ren...
• March 7, 2019

For Influenza "High fever and body aches began on Monday. Went to doc Tues morning and tested positive for Type A flu. Was prescribed Tamiflu and took first dose early Tues afternoon. My fever ceased by Weds morning, but the pain in my head began to increase dramatically. It's Thursday, and I now have diarrhea and am extremely nauseous. I could not sleep last night at all. The pain in my head was unbearable. I decided to take one of my migraine pills to see if it worked, as I could not take it anymore. It relieved it slightly. My mouth tastes horrible, and I think it is what is making me even more nauseous. Doc sent med for my young girls for prevention since they were exposed to the virus as well. They have not had any side effects. I do not think I am going to take my doses today. I cannot continue with this nausea and headache."

• Mom...
• February 10, 2017

For Influenza "My daughter had a fever Wednesday night of 101.6, figured she was getting a cold, she slept fine that night. Thursday mid-morning she had a temp of 104.3, brought her to the doctors, confirmed case of influenza A. She started that Thursday mid-day, it is now Friday night (she's had 4 doses). She now has a temp of 99.2, no aches, her eyes look less watery than yesterday. Now she has a runny nose, but other than that, she is doing good. I've been on Tamiflu for 2 days and have had slight nausea and diarrhea. But eating has helped with the nausea, the best bet is to take it with food."

• LTr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2016

For Influenza "My 2-year-old daughter and I were both diagnosed with Influenza A on the 19th. I had chills, upper respiratory symptoms, and slight body aches. I have never seen my daughter that sick. She was burning up at 103 degrees, lethargic, not able to keep anything down... Just awful. We took Tamiflu the night of the 19th, and at 2 am, her fever broke. She was able to keep food down and even got up to play a little on the 20th. Today she's nearly 100% herself again. So am I! The only drawback to the med for us is that we both got diarrhea several times. The benefits far outweighed the side effects."

• Ele...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2016

For Influenza "Woke up with a slight tickle in my throat. By bedtime, had a very sore throat and a cough. Woke up the next day barely able to breathe and hacking up green stuff and a temp, headache. Went to urgent care and tested positive for the flu and a nifty 103 temp. Could barely walk or stand. Doctor had me pop two Tylenols while there to get working on my temp, along with a 5-day prescription for Tamiflu. After the first pill, felt slightly better after a few hours. By the next day, it really helped lessen the symptoms, but it isn't a miracle drug and, like any illness, it will have to run its course even in a lessened state. One side effect for me was a constant bitter taste in my mouth, and some foods taste bad and mild diarrhea."

• Par...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2020

For Influenza "I got diagnosed with the flu and was prescribed Tamiflu. I took it and my flu symptoms went away, but I vomited twice about 2 hours later. After that, I had the worst diarrhea I’ve ever had. It felt like, since there wasn’t much to expel from my body, stomach fluids were just pouring out of me along with sharp, barely digested bits of food. It was so bad my anus started bleeding. The pain was so bad I could barely walk. Don’t know if it’s worth it."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2020

For Influenza "I tested positive for the flu in spite of getting a flu shot. I've not had the flu in twenty years, so this hit me hard. One day (2 doses) of Tamiflu, and I felt so much better. I was worried about side effects, but all I had was diarrhea after the first couple of days. I feel like it makes me kind of anxious, though, so I'll be glad to be done with it!"

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2018

For Influenza "My 11-year-old son was having flu symptoms, sore throat, coughing, and high temperature. A day after taking Tamiflu, he had extreme diarrhea, after the second day, he had hives, and I stopped the Tamiflu. I called the doctor, and they said kids could get hives with the flu and to watch his breathing. When his hives got worse, I took him right in to urgent care. The doctor was concerned but said he didn't think it was from the Tamiflu. I'm not convinced it wasn't, my son has never had hives. He was going to give him a steroid shot but decided he was too young. He was given three medications and is hive-free this morning. My daughter, who is 15, took Tamiflu and did okay with it. I would not take the risk with this drug again. I don't think the benefits are worth the risk. I talked to a pharmacist who said it doesn't help with symptoms very much, and you might get better one day earlier. Really think before you give it to kids."

• hat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2018

For Influenza "Tested positive for the flu and prescribed Tamiflu. Began taking it at noon the day prescribed. Day two was rough - fever, aching, brutal cough, and an added surprise - nausea, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Day three: no fever or aching, BUT stomach pain unbearable. Cannot eat, even though I am hungry, because of nausea and stomach pain; horrible combination! Can't sleep because I haven't eaten, yet when I take a bite of anything, I want to puke! I would rather have battled the fever, etc. with OTC medication and suffered than deal with the side effects. Day four: hardly slept, up at 3 am trying to find something I can eat and keep down. Did not take 2nd dose on day three, and I'm not taking another pill. Would NOT recommend this medication."