Tamiflu and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• Flo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2020

For Influenza "I woke up with a fever, body aches, chills, and slight congestion, and when my fever got pretty high and wouldn’t break, I decided to go to the doctor. She did a basic checkup and decided I had the flu and prescribed me Tamiflu. She told me to take two pills that day with food. I took the first pill with a meal, and within 10 minutes, I was uncontrollably vomiting. Over the span of three hours, I vomited over and over again. I couldn’t keep anything down, and even after all the food and liquids were out of my system, I was vomiting bile. Literally, the worst stomach cramps I have ever had in my life, and my pain tolerance is pretty high. I ended up in the ER and had to have an IV for the pain and because I was so severely dehydrated. Awful experience, and I would never EVER recommend such a dangerous drug to anybody. Also, the doctor at the ER said it wasn’t a good quality drug, and he never prescribed it to anyone because of the severe side effects."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2015

For Influenza "Woke on a Sat. with a temp of 100.5. Popped two Advil and made it to 4 p.m. when I realized I was sick. Trip to doc in the box confirmed type A flu. Took first dose of Tamiflu Sunday night at 10 p.m., slept through the night, took second dose at 10 a.m. the following morning. Feeling much better, just tired. Eat something before you take the meds. My stomach was tore up because I did not eat a snack with the morning dose."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2019

For Influenza "After two days on Tamiflu, I feel worse. The nausea, headaches, and insomnia are unbearable. I also had horrible stomach cramps after the first night of taking this med. I have a loss of appetite and a weird taste in my mouth as well. The nausea is hideous. This medication is much too strong. I feel more sick having taken Tamiflu. I will stick to ibuprofen and ride out the rest of this flu. I do not recommend Tamiflu. Seems a bit risky to me."

• Try...
• January 14, 2015

For Influenza "My 9-year-old son got influenza A in spite of receiving his annual flu shot. His temp was up to 104 when we took him in - very scary. He took the Tamiflu right before bed and woke up with a reduced fever! It doesn't work like an antibiotic where he started getting better fast, but I definitely feel like it is helping. I was a little nervous because no one in our family has ever used it before, but I'm grateful we did. He took it with a few crackers and his stomach was fine with it."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2016

For Influenza "It helped with the respiratory issues quickly, but within a day of starting this, I've been experiencing dizziness, headaches, and nausea, later followed by stomach cramps and diarrhea. ...not sure I can finish the last 2 days of it...the dizziness is the worst."

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2009

For Swine Flu "After contracting swine flu, I was given Tamiflu as treatment. While it has (touch wood) prevented the virus from spreading to my lungs, which was a concern as an asthmatic, the side effects are less than pleasant. I found that it made me confused, unable to think properly, string sentences together, or concentrate. It made me irritable, thirsty, with stomach cramps, muscle aches, and very, very sleepy."

• Mik...
• February 25, 2019

For Influenza "I got diagnosed with severe type A flu, with a fever of 103 and terrible chills, with nonstop nausea and vomiting. The first two doses were great, I lost the chills and my fever went down. However, after the 3rd dose, I started to have intense stomach cramps that were so bad I had to go to the ER. Additionally, I started to have random jerks with my arms and legs when I tried to sleep, I had intense chills, my eyes were dry and bloodshot, and an intense headache. The worst part of the Tamiflu experience is that I was also not able to take my zofran for my vomiting. It reversed the effect of the zofran, so instead of making my nausea go away, it made it many times worse. Anything except for water made my stomach ache to the point of going to the ER, as said earlier. This is the first review I have ever done for anything online, which is a shocker because I am 18. I am doing this to emphasize the total hideous side effects of this drug. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone."

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2018

For Influenza "After experiencing flu-like symptoms for two days, I went to the urgent care clinic. The doctor prescribed Tamiflu! After my first dose, I immediately experienced stomach cramps and diarrhea. That evening, I took my second dose, I experienced nausea and dizziness and broke out in a rash on my belly. The following morning, I was hesitant to take another dose, but the doctor had strict orders to finish the prescription. I was very disappointed when, after 30 minutes, I felt nauseated again, and this time, I vomited twice! That was it for me. It actually made me feel worse! I should have just let the flu run its course! However, I am a diabetic, and I did not want complications. I will never again use this poison nor recommend it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2018

For Influenza "Caught within hours of becoming sick, Tamiflu has been a lifesaver. I was always afraid of it because of the horror stories I've heard. But the fever, body aches, fatigue all gone. I feel like I have a common cold and not hit by a truck. After the second dose, I did have a stomach ache, just make sure to eat something. I had toast before the next dose and felt way better. The flu is no joke..... what's really the point of a flu shot if you're still gonna catch it!?!?"

• Flu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2016

For Influenza "From reading through these comments, it seems a large consensus that Tamiflu causes nausea and stomach aches. For me, this was not as severe as some other commenters have experienced. I also experienced 'spaciness,' grogginess, and vivid dreams. I was exposed during Thanksgiving from some family members who tested positive, and five days later, no symptoms. Thanks, Tamiflu! I also wonder how much of these flu-like symptoms commenters think are 'from' Tamiflu, but are actually from the flu virus."

• 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."

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2019

For Influenza "I started taking Tamiflu, and on day 3, I started having severe panic attacks. I woke up out of a dead sleep because I thought someone was screaming at me. I was trying to take care of my son, and I almost passed out from the dizziness caused by Tamiflu. Not to mention the horrible nausea, heartburn, and stomach cramps. I will never take this drug again."

• Bir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2018

For Influenza "I got more sick taking the generic version of Tamiflu. Awful! Migraine headaches, stomach cramps, vomiting. I felt no improvement until a friend of mine brought Black Elderberry cold and flu relief for flu symptoms. I called the doctor and the pharmacist, letting them know this product should not be marketed. Shame on them! Where is the caring of human health? My ER visit and pharmacy cost close to $300."

• 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. :("

• 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!"

• hma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2020

For Influenza "I took my first dose without food and did feel pretty nauseated, but as long as I took it with food, I had no stomach upset. I didn't experience any other side effects, and after my third dose, I noticed a big difference in how I felt. I definitely recovered more quickly from the flu than I have in the past."

• 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."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2019

For Influenza "This medicine is a godsend. I originally thought I had a fungal infection because there was mold after a renovation in my home. I assisted in cleaning it. Three weeks later, I was very ill. Lungs, completely no energy, all muscles aching to the point I couldn't even walk. No fever, but chills. After a week on antifungal medication and no better, it was somewhat used, I had the early flu virus going around. The first day I took it, I began feeling better that evening. Yes, I had a strange headache and some stomach upset. But within five days, all the flu that had plagued me greatly, including muscle and joint aches, are gone. I just have residual fatigue, but I've been sick a while and think that will just take time to come back. A big 10 for me."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2019

For Avian Influenza "I had a sudden and rapid onset of flu symptoms, felt like heck. I had the flu shot, so was surprised to find out after nasal swabbing that I had the flu type A. I started Tamiflu the evening of my diagnosis. I prepared myself for stomach distress, but I experienced no GI upset at all. By morning, I feel so much better. Now, 2 days on the med. I feel almost back to normal. So for me, this really worked. Impressively so. But after reading others' comments, I guess this drug is hit or miss. All I can say is I am very glad I tried it and it worked for me. Just keep in mind, people are more likely to comment when having a bad experience, so the comments are going to be skewed to the negative."

• Kee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2018

For Influenza "Felt crummy this past Friday-thought my cold from a couple weeks ago was circling back. Woke up Saturday feeling like I’d been hit by a train-coughing, headache, back pain, aches all over, temp of 100+. Slept most of the day. Woke up Sunday just as bad. Dragged my carcass to a med check. Tested positive for flu B. The nurse practitioner gave me Tamiflu and told me to hydrate and totally rest for a couple days. It’s now Tuesday, feeling semi-human. No temp since Sunday night. No aches. Still a bit of a cough and some mild fatigue. Going back to work tomorrow. Yes, the medicine does upset my tummy a little, but I still think it made a big difference."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2019

For Influenza Prophylaxis "Prescribed Tamiflu after being exposed to someone who tested positive for the flu, and I was showing mild symptoms (congestion, drainage, fatigue). The only side effects I noticed at first were nausea and stomach cramps. I took the pill with plenty of food. The stomach upset wasn't so intense I couldn't handle it. I'm on the last of my pills (2 left), and today my anxiety is a bit increased. I have an anxiety disorder, so I'm not sure if it's the pills or just me. As far as taking care of my symptoms: I do feel like it helped keep symptoms less severe than they would have been without it. I fared much better than my relative who tested positive. But I never got tested, so I have to give it a 5 since I'm not sure if it was the flu or a common cold."

• Npi...
• February 14, 2018

For Influenza "I got sick at night (headache, body ache, fever of 104.8, runny nose, exhausted...) I went to the doctor the next afternoon. I tested positive for Influenza A. She prescribed Tamiflu. I took the medicine when I got home, and after a couple of hours, my symptoms were improving. It’s the next day, and I feel so much better already. I was skeptical, but I really am amazed. I have not had any stomach upsets yet, but I’m only on my second pill, and I’ve been taking it with crackers."

• Flu...
• April 8, 2016

For Influenza "On day two and definitely feeling better. My wife caught the flu a day or two before me, so I knew what was coming. Got Tamiflu within 24 hours of onset. I can feel symptoms strengthening as I get 10 or so hours after the dose (dosing every 12 hours). Not a miracle, but anything that makes this hellish flu less horrible is very, very welcome indeed. No stomach problems."

• mam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2018

For Influenza "My granddaughter was put on this medicine after being diagnosed 1 day for flu. She took 3-4 liquid doses and ended up in the ER to get anti-nausea medication because it made her sicker than the flu itself. She discontinued it immediately and made a 360-degree turnaround. She had an upset stomach with vomiting and sneezing, red eyes, and watery mucus. This medication is definitely NOT the answer and NOT worth the money it cost!!!!"

• Suz...
• February 7, 2018

For Influenza "Started taking Tamiflu on the second day of my flu. I was diagnosed with flu Type A. My flu symptoms included extreme fatigue, body ache, sore throat, cough, and a fever of 102. Within one day of taking Tamiflu, my fever was gone, however, I feel the side effects of constant nausea, leg pains, night sweats, stomach discomfort, and migraines. I’m not sure if the benefits outweigh the negative side effects of this medication."