Xofluza side effects

This article describes possible side effects of Xofluza oral forms. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Xofluza, including the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.

Xofluza is a brand-name medication that comes as oral tablets and an oral suspension. It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes possible side effects of Xofluza.

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More common side effects of Xofluza

Xofluza oral forms may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of Xofluza oral forms include:

• diarrhea*
• swelling and inflammation in the bronchial tubes (bronchitis)
• nausea
• swelling and inflammation in the sinuses (sinusitis)
• headache

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Xofluza in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of Xofluza

Xofluza may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of Xofluza oral forms that occurred in studies include:

• diarrhea*
• swelling and inflammation in the bronchial tubes (bronchitis)
• nausea
• swelling and inflammation in the sinuses (sinusitis)
• headache
• vomiting

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Xofluza in detail” section below.

Xofluza oral forms may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects of Xofluza

Xofluza may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Xofluza oral forms, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Xofluza.

Serious side effects of Xofluza oral forms weren’t reported in the drug’s studies. But since the drug was approved for use, there have been reports of allergic reactions, including serious ones. See the section below to learn more about allergic reactions.

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Allergic reaction

For some people, Xofluza oral forms can cause an allergic reaction.

This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies, but these reactions have happened since Xofluza was approved for use.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Xofluza oral forms, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Xofluza in the past, your doctor won’t prescribe it again. Having a past allergic reaction is a contraindication to using Xofluza. A contraindication describes a situation in which a drug should not be prescribed.

Common questions about side effects of Xofluza

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Xofluza oral forms. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long do Xofluza’s side effects last?

Not long, in most cases. In studies of Xofluza, long-term side effects weren’t reported. Long-term side effects can refer to effects that develop after you’ve taken a drug for a long time. They can also refer to side effects that develop during treatment and last a long time, even after you stop treatment.

Mild side effects caused by Xofluza should go away on their own within a few hours or days. Keep in mind that treatment with Xofluza is short term and only consists of one dose. Let your doctor know if you think you’re having symptoms of side effects for more than a few hours or days.

How do side effects of Xofluza vs. Tamiflu compare?

Xofluza and Tamiflu are both prescribed to treat and help prevent the flu in certain cases. These drugs can cause some similar side effects. But they also cause a few different ones, too.

Examples of side effects reported with both Xofluza and Tamiflu include:

• headache
• nausea
• diarrhea
• allergic reaction

Examples of differences in side effects between Xofluza and Tamiflu include:

• reports of general body pain with Tamiflu, but not Xofluza
• swelling in the sinuses with Xofluza, but not Tamiflu

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions about differences between Xofluza and Tamiflu.

Side effects of Xofluza in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Xofluza oral forms.

Diarrhea

In studies, diarrhea wasn’t common in people taking Xofluza oral forms. This side effect is usually mild.

With diarrhea, you experience loose, watery stool. Other symptoms may include an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

Diarrhea isn’t a common symptom of the flu (Xofluza is prescribed to treat the flu), but this symptom can happen in some instances. So it’s possible for your symptoms to be flu-related and not caused by Xofluza.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of diarrhea that bother you, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a treatment for your diarrhea symptoms. Examples include over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). They may also suggest avoiding certain foods, including alcohol (if you drink), until your symptoms resolve.

Headache

In studies, headache wasn’t common in people taking Xofluza oral forms. This side effect is usually mild.

Other symptoms aren’t expected with headache caused by Xofluza. The drug isn’t known to cause migraine or severe headaches. Headache caused by Xofluza should go away on its own within a few hours.

Keep in mind that headache can also be a symptom of the flu itself, which Xofluza is prescribed to treat and help prevent in certain cases.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of headache that bother you, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a treatment for your symptoms. Examples include OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

You can also learn more about home remedies for headache that may help ease your symptoms.

Warnings for Xofluza

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Xofluza oral forms.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to take Xofluza oral forms if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Xofluza oral forms are a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking Xofluza oral forms, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include a past allergic reaction to Xofluza, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

Xofluza and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Xofluza oral forms should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Xofluza and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Xofluza oral forms should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Xofluza and alcohol

Xofluza oral forms are not known to interact with alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Xofluza oral forms.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.