Skip to main content

Oseltamivir and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

Brand names: Tamiflu

Reviews for Oseltamivir

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Rav...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 16, 2017

For Influenza "I have taken Tamiflu once in the past and don't recall anything like what I just went through taking it. That was also almost 5 years ago, but I feel like if it was this bad, I'd remember! I was diagnosed Sunday at Urgent Care with the flu. The first day of medication, it was amazing, I thought, yes, this is working. The second day, not so much! I had a horrible headache, was completely drained, like to the point of not wanting to move to go to the bathroom, and to say it gave me bowel issues is an understatement! I had horrible diarrhea from it to the point of it happening while I slept! I have never had that happen to me with any meds or sickness! I emailed my regular doctor (it was after office hours) and she responded with, 'Stop it!!!'"

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Cel...
  • November 24, 2016

For Influenza "I had the worst flu ever experienced in my 30 years of life! I wasn't able to go to my day job for 3 days. Sneezing, stuffy nose, loss of appetite, chills down my spine, headaches, bone aches, and every time I ate something, diarrhea. I had to go to my night job and couldn't cancel this one. I took my first Tamiflu pill, and wow! I was able to pull myself together to get to my night shift given all my crazy symptoms. The doctor gave me 75 mg 2x a day for the next 5 days. I'm still sick, but not as bad. Symptoms reduced significantly, so maybe a few more days of it. I am also taking DayQuil and NyQuil in combination with Tamiflu."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • hea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 22, 2016

For Influenza "I was on vacation when I started feeling symptoms: fever, body aches, weakness, etc. Once I got back into the States, I went straight to Urgent Care as my symptoms continued. The doctor gave me Tamiflu. She said it's most effective if taken within the first few days the symptoms start, but hopefully, it will help shorten the time left. My fever and body aches were gone by the next morning, thank God. I did experience some dizziness in my head, no vomiting, but severe diarrhea. Oh God, my stomach feels like it's on fire from the inside. I didn't eat much in the days prior to taking it, but I made sure to eat a little something before each dose. I'm unable to return to work until I can get my stomach issues under control. I stopped taking it after 2.5 days."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Amv...
  • January 31, 2017

For Influenza "I felt like this medicine actually helped a lot. I was nervous to take it because of the reviews and side effects, but it ended up being okay. The very next day after taking the medicine, I felt 70% better. The only side effect I had was some diarrhea. I ate with this medicine, and I felt it helped a lot."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Lau...
  • January 31, 2018

For Avian Influenza "Was sick for 1 week, went to the doctor, she gave Tamiflu. I have mastocytosis, so I'm immunocompromised. Bad sinus, nothing given for sinus. 101-102 fever, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen neck gland, feel bad all over, weak. Tamiflu helped until I finished 5 days, then it came back with a vengeance, sicker now than I was before. Called the doctor, she said not giving anything. Guess it's the ER if I feel any worse, it's hard to breathe already."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 10, 2018

For Influenza "Extreme fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, depression, and anxiety. I felt so much better before taking this-never had any of those symptoms before. This is awful, there is no way I can finish the prescription."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Bro...
  • January 31, 2018

For Influenza Prophylaxis "I have 5 little ones sick with the flu. Doctor prescribed Tamiflu. The taste is horrid, I have to wrestle each one of them to get the medicine down. I now have 2 with such bad nausea and diarrhea. I am assuming side effects. One with nosebleeds. I can't say if it has helped, for a prescription, I would hope for something easier for children to take. Also, they have still had the high fevers and flu symptoms. 4 of the children were taking Tamiflu before flu symptoms occurred."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Amy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2017

For Influenza "Symptoms started Sunday eve. Felt lousy Monday. Achy. Sweaty. Feverish. Went to doc Tuesday because I was sure of having strep (strange rash) but was diagnosed with the flu. Started Tamiflu at noon Tuesday. Wednesday 7 p.m., I sound like hell, coughing hurts, but I can actually walk about. Hoping for a night without having to change my sweaty nightclothes. I was leery but feel lucky to have been diagnosed in time. Last time I had the flu a few years back, I was flat out for a week. Little stomach upset (diarrhea), but very mild and worth it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 8, 2015

For Influenza "I was achy, feverish (100.4), and had a severe headache. I felt like a truck ran me over. I went to the Dr. and was prescribed Tamiflu. I took the first dose and noticed a difference. I didn't have nausea, insomnia, or diarrhea. No side effects. I was skeptical, as viral infections have to run their course, but I'm so happy I took it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Mis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 24, 2019

For Influenza "It seems to be working. I have bad anxiety, and it gave me a mild cough. I'm only taking it once a day. I have influenza A. I did have diarrhea when I first started it and some strange breathing, but that got better too. I would take it again if needed."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • New...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 22, 2020

For Influenza "Started taking Tamiflu 2 days after flu symptoms. When I visited my doc, I had a temp of 102.3. I did have the flu shot, we know it does not stop the flu, just lessens the severity. I started Tamiflu, and I am now on day 5. I must say that I started to feel better on day 3 of taking. I do have some diarrhea and some chest congestion with a croupy cough. I'm also on an antibiotic because I have a low immune system, and doc wanted to cover all bases. It does make me feel a little wonky, and when I cough, my heart does race. All in all, I would take it again."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Bet...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 10, 2018

For Influenza "Was told I tested positive for flu, given Tamiflu. Threw up within an hour, with diarrhea. Now, awful stomach pains and sweating. Feel like I'll be hitting round two for vomit. Spent $100 to flush it? Nope. Not taking."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Er1...
  • February 19, 2018

For Influenza "I had Influenza A twice last year and took Tamiflu but was at the far end of the recommended 48 hours. I pay 109 dollars, so when I realized that I once again had Influenza A, I debated whether I should pay the money to shave off the extra day or two. As I grew sicker, I realized I needed to call the doctor because my congestion was making it difficult to breathe. I was a day into the flu. My doctor felt the medicine was worth taking as my flu symptoms were very severe. About 4 hours after taking the med, I saw a significant difference in my symptoms. The only side effects I had were some mild diarrhea and slight nausea. The other symptoms, including a severe headache before taking Tamiflu, subsided quickly after the first dose."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • DUa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 8, 2018

For Influenza "I was diagnosed with flu B two days ago (my symptoms started less than 24 hours before getting diagnosed), and my doctor prescribed me Tamiflu. Not only am I still dealing with flu symptoms (high fevers, body aches, etc.), now I am also dealing with the side effects of this medication. Double whammy! Dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and insomnia (which I find ironic considering the doctors stress how important resting is). On top of that, my anxiety is at an all-time high. This medication may work for a few, but it definitely did more damage than help in my case. I will stop taking it after trying it for 2 days."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • AM0...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 2, 2017

For Influenza "I do not recommend Tamiflu whatsoever. The first night it gave me diarrhea. I will admit my flu symptoms improved the next day. However, the second night I experienced extreme soreness in my right arm and shoulder that made it difficult to sleep. The third morning I took my first pill of the day, less than an hour later, my face, chest, and stomach were covered with hives. I also had slight dizziness. I immediately stopped taking it. I am a healthy young adult, and a medication has never done this to me. Wish I would have just let the flu run its course."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Mad...
  • February 7, 2017

For Influenza "I am so grateful for Tamiflu right now. I haven't been nauseous with the flu, but Tamiflu (along with Duraflu) has cut my symptoms by 80% in one day! The only side effect I have had from this medicine might be slight diarrhea, but nothing too bad! Definitely recommend! But it's very expensive without insurance ($160)."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Cel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 28, 2016

For Influenza "Coming back with a second review. I stopped Tamiflu prematurely after my flu symptoms were all gone, however, now the Tamiflu side effects still linger after 3 days! I am having severe diarrhea at least 6 times a day! I am going to the bathroom for hours, like 6 hours later, still on the toilet! And I took only 3 days' worth. I'm scared to go to work like this. Better just deal with the flu than take these pills again."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Vic...
  • March 12, 2017

For Influenza "I began having flu symptoms at work 2 afternoons ago - fever, chills, achiness. I went directly to an urgent care clinic. The flu test was negative, but the physician's assistant said I had come in so quickly that I probably wouldn't test positive yet. Based on my symptoms and the current flu outbreak in our area, she prescribed Tamiflu. That night, my fever broke in the middle of the night. When I had the flu before, the fever would return in the evenings, but I've had no more fever and chills. Also, no achiness, just fatigue. The only side effect I experienced from the Tamiflu was moderate diarrhea. Much better than being sick for a week or two!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • kks...
  • March 9, 2017

For Influenza "I got violently ill with influenza A on Monday night. Scary high temperature. Went to the urgent care Tuesday morning with a more moderate 101.4 temp. Didn't feel better until Wednesday noon (3 doses), but today on Thursday I feel like I never had the flu. Even my cough is better. Side effects were kind of nasty though, as I had extreme diarrhea that was as bad as what you get for colonoscopy prep. So on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, I would have told you it wasn't worth it. But by early Wednesday afternoon, I was glad I did it."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • sma...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 14, 2018

For Influenza "My flu started with a hacking cough and vomiting. Within 6 hours, it was clear that I had something pretty severe. Went to the doctor about 36 hours later and was prescribed Tamiflu. The first 2 pills seemed to help, but after that I had diarrhea, seasick-like nausea, and really bad insomnia. It's been 3 days and 6 pills later, and I'm done. I simply can't take the diarrhea, and I can't get any rest. Plus, when I return to work, I don't want to have diarrhea and suffer from lack of sleep. I'll have to take my chances."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • Ham...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 30, 2017

For Influenza "I came down with flu symptoms on Sunday (chills, back pain, couldn't get out of bed). My husband took me to urgent care on Monday, where I was diagnosed with a B strain of flu and given Tamiflu and Zofran. The first dose of Tamiflu on Monday night was okay; I made sure to eat and took the Zofran. However, early Tuesday morning, I woke up with terrible stomach pains and diarrhea. The diarrhea continued all day and night Tuesday (if you've ever had a colonoscopy, it was exactly like doing the prep for that), and Wednesday I skipped the Zofran and took Imodium instead. I did okay Wednesday until evening; along with the diarrhea, I also experienced terrible chills and back pain that made it difficult to take a breath. I won't be taking any more Tamiflu."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Meg...
  • February 13, 2018

For Influenza "I never have gotten the flu but was diagnosed a couple days ago along with my 1-year-old son. Within 30 minutes, he puked 4 times on the liquid. I tried it, and I will say it did help me actually get some sleep and helped me take my migraine away. I've been taking two Tylenol Extra Strengths on top of this. Only symptoms are diarrhea and possibly vomiting (I feel nauseous)."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • RRN...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 11, 2017

For Influenza "I was diagnosed with possible flu Saturday night at Urgent Care after spiking a fever of 103 all of a sudden and generally feeling like rubbish. I had a flu shot. End story, they didn’t actually test me but assumed, gave me a script for Tamiflu and prescription ibuprofen (I have a history of headaches). Initially, I thought it was great. After 2 doses, all the side effects started to hit: insomnia, eye irritations, dizziness, bleeding nose, diarrhea. All for something my regular doctor said wasn’t actually the flu. When I saw my regular doctor on Monday, I was told to finish out the script but rightfully diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. Almost a week later, I still haven’t slept a full night. Never again Tamiflu, never."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • Kit...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 20, 2018

For Influenza "I took it outside the recommended treatment window, because my doctor recommended it. I didn’t know about possible side effects. I started vomiting after the second dose and awful nausea, as well as diarrhea. I think it is not worth it. Maybe much more helpful if within 48-hour window. I think I may stop taking it."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • KIm...
  • January 15, 2018

For Influenza "This medicine did nothing for my flu. Started taking it within 24 hours of symptoms and being diagnosed. The only thing it did was cause me to have a horrible headache, stomach cramps, and diarrhea on top of my flu symptoms. So not happy. Would have been better off without it."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.