Key takeaways
- Xofluza and Tamiflu are both used to treat or prevent the flu in adults and certain children. However, they have some differences.
- Tamiflu can be used in children as young as 2 weeks, whereas Xofluza is only prescribed in those older than 5 years. Xofluza is also taken as a single dose, whereas Tamiflu is taken for at least 5 days.
- If you have a preference for which medication you’d like to use, speak with your doctor.
Overview
Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir) are both brand-name medications that can be used to treat or prevent the flu. They have similar indications, but have differences in their dosages and who can take them.
This article looks at how Xofluza and Tamiflu are similar and different. You can view detailed articles about Xofluza and Tamiflu if you’d like more information about these drugs.
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Key differences between Xofluza and Tamiflu
Xofluza and Tamiflu may seem similar at first glance, both being prescribed to treat and prevent the flu. However, there are some important distinctions between them that can help you and a doctor decide which to use:
- Age: Both drugs can be used in adults. Xofluza is prescribed in children older than 5 years, whereas Tamiflu can be used in children as young as 2 weeks old.
- Generic availability: Xofluza is only available in a brand-name form, but Tamiflu is available as a generic called oseltamivir.
- Dosing schedule: Xofluza is taken as a single dose. Tamiflu is usually taken over the course of several days.
A doctor will generally decide and prescribe the medication that’s right for you considering your individual situation and medical history. You can learn more about the differences between these medications below.
Uses of Xofluza and Tamiflu
Here’s a summary of Xofluza’s and Tamiflu’s approved uses:
| Xofluza | Tamiflu | |
|---|---|---|
| Approved uses | • treating uncomplicated influenza A and B infections • preventing influenza A and B infections after a person has been exposed to the virus | • treating uncomplicated influenza A and B infections in people who have had symptoms for 48 hours or less • preventing influenza A and B infections |
| Prescribed to | • adults and children older than 5 years • people who are otherwise healthy who have had symptoms for 48 hours or less • people at high risk of complications | • adults and children older than 2 weeks for treating influenza • adults and children older than 1 year for preventing influenza |
Dosage of Xofluza and Tamiflu
Below is dosage information for the condition that both Xofluza and Tamiful are prescribed to treat and help prevent. These dosages are provided by the drugmakers. If your doctor prescribes either medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Do not adjust your dosage without first talking with your doctor.
Learn more about Xofluza’s dosage here. Learn more about Tamiflu’s dosage here.
Xofluza’s dosage
Xofluza is taken as a single dose after being exposed to the flu (for prevention) or within 48 hours of symptom onset (for treatment). It can be taken as an oral tablet, an oral suspension packet, or an oral suspension bottle. In adults and children older than 5 years, the dose is determined by body weight in kilograms (kg).
For the oral tablet, the dosages are as follows:
- Weighing 20 kg to less than 80 kg: One 40 milligram (mg) tablet.
- Weighing 80 kg and above: One 80 mg tablet.
Tamiflu’s dosage
The usual dosage in adults and children older than 13 years for treating the flu is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. The dosage for preventing the flu after exposure is 75 mg once daily for at least 10 days.
The dosage in children ages 1 to 12 years is determined based on body weight. In children ages 2 weeks to 1 year, the dosage is 3 mg per kg. Like in adults, the dose is taken twice daily for 5 days treatment or once daily for at least 10 days for prevention.
Side effects of Xofluza and Tamiflu
X drug and y drug may cause mild or serious side effects. Some of the more common mild side effects of each drug are listed below. Serious side effects of x drug and y drug are also listed.
Keep in mind that your side effects may differ from those listed below. They can vary based on your overall health, any other medications you take, and your age.
This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of these medications. To find more information, you can view the prescribing information for x drug [insert link] and y drug [insert link]. You can also check out these articles about x drug side effects [link to OP side effects article > HL or MNT side effects article > HL or MNT head term article] and y drug side effects [link to OP side effects article > HL or MNT side effect article > HL or MNT head term article].
Common side effects
Below are some of the mild side effects reported with x drug [insert PI link] and y drug [insert PI link]:
| Xofluza | Tamiflu | |
| Diarrhea | ✓ | |
| Bronchitis | ✓ | |
| Nausea | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headache | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sinusitis | ✓ | |
| Vomiting | ✓ |
For a lot of drugs, serious side effects are possible, but they’re not common. If you have serious side effects from Xofluza or Tamiflu, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are severe or you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Allergic reaction
For some people, Tamiflu or Xofluza can cause an allergic reaction.
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 either Xofluza or Tamiflu, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Cost of Xofluza and Tamiflu
As with the cost of other medications, the cost of Xofluza and Tamiflu can vary. Their price may be affected by:
- whether they’re covered by health insurance, if you have coverage
- the pharmacy they’re purchased from
- the quantity prescribed
Coupons and cost savings
To view drug prices when Optum Perks coupons are applied, see this coupon page for Xofluza and this coupon page for Tamiflu. You can also check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Xofluza’s manufacturer also offers a coupon for the drug that can be used alongside insurance, reducing the cost to as low as $35. There is also a coupon for cash pay customers, reducing the cost to $50.
The options described in this article may also help you save on your prescription.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.
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Get free cardGeneric versions
Here’s a summary about generics of Xofluza and Tamiflu:
| Xofluza | Tamiflu | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | baloxavir marboxil | oseltamivir |
| Available as a generic | no | yes |
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. (An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.)
Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name version.
If your doctor prescribed Tamiflu, but you’d like to know about taking its generic version, let your doctor or pharmacist know. They can help determine whether the generic version is right for you.
Next steps
If you’ve been exposed to the flu or you’ve started showing symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment right away. Xofluza and Tamiflu are only effective if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.
If you think one of these medications will be better for you than the other, consider speaking with your doctor. They may keep your preference in mind when prescribing.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.
Disclaimer: While Optum Perks strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses.