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Pandemic influenza

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Tamiflu information and instructions


Tamiflu product information

Tamiflu can reduce the symptoms of influenza and shorten the course of the disease. To learn more, refer to the product information leaflet below:
Tamiflu: Product information leaflet (www.medsafe.govt.nz)

Tamiflu for adults and children who cannot swallow capsules


The active ingredient in Tamiflu capsules is a bitter-tasting white powder, and the Ministry of Health recommends that whenever practical the medication is taken in capsule form.

For people who cannot swallow capsules, it is necessary to make a palatable mixture from the capsule contents before the medication can be given. Covered below are three ways of making a preparation from the contents of Tamiflu capsules.

Instructions for pharmacists

Guidance on the preparation of Tamiflu for people who cannot swallow capsules.
Tamiflu: Preparation of a pharmacy-compounded suspension (PDF, 39 KB)


Home preparation (method 1) - sourced from the Tamiflu product information leaflet

People who are unable to swallow capsules may take Tamiflu by following these instructions. Note: Method 1 requires a graduated syringe.
Tamiflu: Home preparation for people who cannot swallow capsules (PDF, 43 KB)


Home preparation (method 2)

The leaflet below describes another method of preparing and giving Tamiflu mixture to people who are unable to swallow capsules.


This leaflet can be downloaded in the following languages:

Māori (PDF,90.7KB)

Cook Island Māori (PDF, 90KB)

Tongan (PDF, 99KB)

Tokelauan (PDF, 96KB)

Samoan (PDF, 92KB)

Fijiian (39KB)

Chinese traditional (PDF, 132KB)

Chinese simplified (PDF, 111KB)

Korean (PDF, 146KB)

Punjabi (PDF, 52KB)

Hindi (PDF, 48KB)

Niuean (PDF, 106)


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Page last updated: 12 October 2009