Tamiflu is a brand-name drug prescribed for influenza (flu). Tamiflu contains the active ingredient oseltamivir, and some experts consider it safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Tamiflu. For a comprehensive look at Tamiflu, see this article.
If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Tamiflu is a safe choice for you.
It’s not known for sure whether it’s safe to take Tamiflu when pregnant. Experts haven’t performed any clinical trials comparing the use of Tamiflu versus a placebo (treatment with no active drug) in pregnant people yet.
However, some studies involved pregnant females who took Tamiflu during any trimester of their pregnancy. These studies didn’t show an increased risk of congenital anomalies (commonly called birth defects) when the participants took Tamiflu.
In animal studies, Tamiflu also didn’t cause any negative effects in fetuses exposed to the drug. But keep in mind that animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.
The
Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Flu and pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and you get the flu, talk with your doctor about treatment options. Also, talk with your doctor about getting your flu vaccine during pregnancy to help prevent influenza infections.
If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to consider how Tamiflu may affect you and your child.
Some data found small amounts of Tamiflu in the breast milk of lactating females taking the drug. However, other
If you’re breastfeeding and considering treatment with Tamiflu, talk with your doctor. They’ll recommend whether breastfeeding during your treatment is a good idea.
If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to know how taking Tamiflu may affect your birth control decisions.
Some experts consider Tamiflu safe to take during pregnancy (see earlier sections for details). If you or your sexual partner can become pregnant and you have questions about your birth control needs, talk with your doctor for more information.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.
