Xofluza is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for influenza. The medication is available in the following forms: a tablet and granules for making a suspension. You take both forms by mouth. Xofluza belongs to the antiviral drug class.
Xofluza is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults and children ages 5 years and older to:
- Treat influenza. Xofluza is approved to treat influenza (the flu) that doesn’t require treatment in a hospital. It’s used in people who’ve had flu symptoms for up to 48 hours and who are either:
- healthy, with no risk factors for complications from the flu, or
- have a high risk of developing complications from the flu, such as pneumonia
- Prevent influenza. Xofluza is approved to prevent the flu in people who have had contact with someone who’s known to have the flu.
For more information about how Xofluza is used to treat or prevent the flu, see the “Xofluza uses” section below.
Drug details
You’ll find key information about Xofluza below.
- Generic available? no
- Prescription required? yes
- Controlled substance? no
- Year of FDA approval: 2018
Xofluza is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
Xofluza is taken as a single, one-time dose that’s based on your body weight. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Drug forms and strengths
Xofluza comes as:
- Tablets. These are taken by mouth and are available in two strengths: 40 milligrams (mg) and 80 mg.
- Granules that are made into a suspension. Xofluza suspension (a type of liquid mixture) is taken by mouth and is available in one strength: 40 mg/20 milliliters (mL).
Note: Your pharmacist will mix Xofluza granules into a suspension before dispensing the drug to you. It’s important that you take the suspension within 10 hours after it’s been mixed. This is because it doesn’t contain any preservatives, so it’s meant to be taken shortly after it’s made.
Dosage for treating or preventing the flu
The recommended dosage of Xofluza is the same for either treating or preventing influenza (the flu). Dosages for Xofluza tablets and Xofluza suspension are described below. With either form of the drug, you should take a single dose of Xofluza:
- within 48 hours of when your flu symptoms start, or
- as soon as possible after you’ve been in contact with someone who has the flu
Dosage for Xofluza tablets
The Xofluza tablet dosing instructions for adults and children ages 5 years and older are as follows:
- People who weigh 20 kilograms (kg) to less than 80 kg (about 44 pounds [lb] to less than 176 lb) should take a single dose of 40 mg.
- People who weigh 80 kg or more should take a single dose of 80 mg.
Dosage for Xofluza suspension
The Xofluza suspension dosing instructions for adults and children ages 5 years and older are as follows:
- People who weigh less than 20 kg should take a single dose of 2 mg per kg of body weight, which will be calculated by the doctor.
- People who weigh 20 kg to less than 80 kg should take a single dose of 40 mg (one 40 mg/20 mL-bottle).
- People who weigh 80 kg or more should take a single dose of 80 mg (two 40 mg/20 mL-bottles).
Pediatric dosage
Xofluza is not approved for children under 5 years old. For children ages 5 years and older, see the recommended dosing instructions above.
What if I miss a dose?
Xofluza is taken as a single, one-time dose. It’s not meant to be taken every day.
Will I need to use this drug long term?
No, Xofluza is meant to be used as a one-time treatment for either treating or preventing the flu.
As with all medications, the cost of Xofluza can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
It’s possible that you may have to pay for part or all of the cost of Xofluza. This could happen if your insurance doesn’t completely cover the cost, if you have a copay or coinsurance, or if you don’t have health insurance. In that case, you’ll need to decide whether shortening your symptoms by about a day is worth the cost.
Before approving coverage for Xofluza, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.
If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Xofluza, contact your insurance company.
Financial assistance
If you need financial support to pay for Xofluza, help is available. Genentech, the manufacturer of Xofluza, offers a coupon for the medication. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 855-XOFLUZA (855-963-5892) or visit the coupon website.
If you don’t have insurance, Optum Perks coupons may help you save on the cost of the drug. For more information, see the “Xofluza coupons” section below.
Generic version
Xofluza is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Xofluza. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Xofluza can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Xofluza. These lists do not include all possible side effects.
For more information on the possible side effects of Xofluza, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Xofluza, you can do so through MedWatch.
Mild side effects
Mild side effects of Xofluza can include:*
- diarrhea†
- bronchitis† (swelling of the airways)
- nausea
- sinusitis (swelling in your sinuses)
- headache
These side effects can also be symptoms of the flu.
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Xofluza. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit Xofluza’s prescribing information.
† For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Xofluza aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects, explained below in “Side effect details,” include:
Side effects in children
Xofluza is only approved to treat flu in children ages 5 years and older. Side effects in this age group are similar to side effects in adults, as described above and below. However, in clinical trials of children ages 5 years to less than 12 years, vomiting was one of the more commonly reported side effects. This side effect wasn’t reported in trials of adults or children ages 12 years and older.
To learn more about side effects of Xofluza that might affect your child, talk with their doctor.
How long do Xofluza side effects last?
If you have side effects after taking Xofluza, these typically go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. However, if your side effects don’t go away or if they become more severe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effect details
You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug or whether certain side effects pertain to it. Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may or may not cause.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Xofluza. It’s not known how often this occurred in clinical trials.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
- itchiness
- flushing
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
- skin rash, including erythema multiforme (red, purple, or pink patches or blisters, often on the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands)
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
- trouble breathing
Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Xofluza. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a possible side effect of taking Xofluza. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of the flu in some people (mainly in children).
Diarrhea was the most common side effect reported in clinical trials of Xofluza.
If you have diarrhea after taking Xofluza, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. This is especially important if you also have a fever with the flu. Try sipping water or other clear fluids regularly throughout the day.
Sports drinks, broths, or oral rehydration solutions can all help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions provide an optimal mixture of fluids, sugar, and electrolytes. They come in various forms, including powders that you mix with water, ready-to-drink solutions, and popsicles. You can buy them from drugstores, grocery stores, or online.
Bronchitis
Some people may have bronchitis after taking Xofluza. This side effect was reported in clinical trials of the drug. Bronchitis can also be a complication of the flu.
Bronchitis is swelling in the large airways in your lungs. It causes symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a fever.
If you have symptoms of bronchitis, these can typically be relieved with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as cough medications and pain relievers. However, if your symptoms don’t start to improve within a few days after taking Xofluza, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there) have been reported in some people taking Xofluza. Other psychiatric effects, such as delirium and atypical behavior, have also been reported.
These side effects weren’t reported in clinical trials of the drug. However, they’ve been reported since Xofluza has been on the market. It’s not known how often these side effects occur, and it’s not known whether they’re caused by Xofluza.
Hallucinations, delirium, and atypical behavior have also been reported in people taking other antivirals to treat flu. However, these symptoms can also be caused by the flu. It’s not known whether taking antivirals raises the risk of getting psychiatric symptoms with the flu.
If you have hallucinations after taking Xofluza, talk with your doctor.
Sleep problems (not a known side effect)
Sleep problems haven’t been reported with Xofluza. The drug doesn’t make you sleepy or cause insomnia. However, some people have reported sleep problems with other flu treatments.
If you have trouble sleeping after taking Xofluza, talk with your doctor about possible causes.
You may wonder how Xofluza compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Xofluza and Tamiflu are alike and different.
Ingredients
Xofluza contains the active drug baloxavir marboxil. Tamiflu contains the active drug oseltamivir.
Uses
Xofluza and Tamiflu treat influenza (the flu) that doesn’t require treatment in a hospital. They’re used for people who’ve had flu symptoms for up to 48 hours. Xofluza is approved for use in adults and in children ages 5 years and older. Tamiflu is approved for use in adults and in children ages 2 weeks and older.
In addition, both Xofluza and Tamiflu are approved to prevent flu. For this purpose, Xofluza can be used in adults and children ages 5 years and older who have had contact with someone who has the flu. And Tamiflu can be used for this purpose in adults and children ages 1 year and older.
Drug forms and administration
Xofluza comes as tablets and a suspension (a type of liquid mixture) that you take by mouth as a single, one-time dose. You’ll take a one-time dose take regardless of whether you’re using the drug to treat or prevent the flu.
Tamiflu is also taken by mouth. It comes as a capsule and as a suspension (powder that’s mixed with water). For treating the flu, Tamiflu is taken twice per day for 5 days. For preventing the flu, Tamiflu is taken once per day for at least 10 days and up to 6 weeks. For people with immune system problems, doctors may recommend taking Tamiflu for up to 12 weeks.
Side effects and risks
Xofluza and Tamiflu have some similar side effects and others that vary. Below are examples of these side effects.
Mild side effects
These lists contain the more common mild side effects that can occur with each drug, or with both Xofluza and Tamiflu (when taken individually). These side effects can also be symptoms of the flu.
- Can occur with Xofluza:
- diarrhea
- bronchitis (swelling in your airways)
- sinusitis (swelling in your sinuses)
- Can occur with Tamiflu:
- general body pain
- Can occur with both Xofluza and Tamiflu:
- nausea
- headache
- vomiting
Serious side effects
These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Xofluza, with Tamiflu, or with both drugs (when taken individually).
- Can occur with Xofluza:
- few unique serious side effects
- Can occur with Tamiflu:
- serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Can occur with both Xofluza and Tamiflu:
Effectiveness
The use of Xofluza and Tamiflu in treating the flu has been directly compared in clinical trials. These trials found Xofluza and Tamiflu to be similarly effective for shortening the recovery time from flu symptoms. There wasn’t a significant difference in how quickly flu symptoms were relieved when the drugs were compared with each other.
Costs
The actual price you’ll pay for either Xofluza or Tamiflu depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Xofluza and Tamiflu are both brand-name drugs. There’s currently no generic form of Xofluza, but generic forms of Tamiflu are available under the name oseltamivir. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.
You can visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for Xofluza and Tamiflu.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Xofluza.
How long are you contagious after taking Xofluza?
Taking Xofluza helps the body to fight off the influenza (flu) virus, but it won’t prevent the transmission of the virus to other people. The flu virus is highly contagious. It’s easily transferred in droplets people breathe out, especially through coughing, sneezing, and talking.
You can transmit the flu virus to other people for about 5 to 7 days after you first get symptoms, even if you take Xofluza. Some people, such as those with a weak immune system, may continue transmitting the virus for longer than 5 to 7 days.
Here are a few tips to help avoid transmitting the flu virus to other people:
- If possible, stay at home and away from other people while you have symptoms.
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then dispose of the tissue.
How fast does Xofluza work?
Xofluza starts working against the flu virus within 4 hours of when you take a dose.
In people treating the flu, the majority feel better about 2 days after taking it. If you don’t start to feel better about 2 days after taking Xofluza, or if your symptoms get worse, call your doctor.
Can Xofluza cause a yeast infection?
No, Xofluza is not known to cause yeast infections.
Yeast infections can sometimes be caused by antibiotic drugs. That’s because antibiotics can kill healthy bacteria found in your body, allowing other germs like yeast to increase in numbers. However, antiviral drugs like Xofluza don’t kill bacteria, so they’re not known to cause yeast infections.
Can you take Xofluza twice?
It depends. You should not take Xofluza twice to treat the same bout of flu. However, your doctor might prescribe it twice if you get the flu twice in one season or if you get the flu again the next year.
If you’ve taken Xofluza to treat the flu but your symptoms don’t improve after about 2 days or they get worse, see your doctor. Your doctor may suggest a different antiviral, but they won’t prescribe a second dose of Xofluza.
This is because flu viruses can sometimes become
Worsening flu symptoms could also be caused by flu complications, such as pneumonia, or other infections. (Taking Xofluza doesn’t eliminate the risk of getting complications from the flu.) In these cases, the complications or other infections may need additional treatment. They won’t be helped by taking a second dose of Xofluza.
However, if you get the flu twice in one season, your doctor might prescribe Xofluza again. This will depend on recommendations from the
The CDC tracks flu activity in the United States. It determines which strains of flu viruses are currently circulating and whether they’re likely to be resistant to certain antivirals. If strains of flu viruses that are resistant to Xofluza are circulating, your doctor will likely recommend a different antiviral.
You’re unlikely to get the flu twice in one season. However, it could happen, because different strains of flu viruses can be circulating at the same time. You’re more likely to get the flu twice in one season if you haven’t had a flu vaccine.
Your doctor may also prescribe Xofluza more than once to prevent the flu if you’re exposed to someone with the flu on more than one occasion. This will depend on recommendations from the
If you have additional questions about taking Xofluza more than once, talk with your doctor or someone at your local public health department.
Can I take Xofluza more than 48 hours after my first flu symptoms appear?
No, you should not take Xofluza if it’s been more than 48 hours since your first flu symptoms appeared. For treating the flu, the drug was only studied in people who had shown symptoms for no more than 48 hours. Therefore, it isn’t known how safe or effective the drug is in people who’ve had symptoms for longer than that.
If you’ve had symptoms of flu for more than 48 hours, call your doctor or visit an urgent care center. Even if Xofluza isn’t right for you, they may recommend another treatment for any symptoms you may have. They’ll also make sure your flu isn’t serious or in need of treatment in a hospital.
Is it OK to get a flu vaccine and Xofluza at the same time?
It depends on the type of flu vaccine you receive. There are two types of flu vaccine: the nasal spray and the injected flu vaccine (flu shot). The nasal spray flu vaccine contains live but weakened forms of flu viruses. The flu shot contains inactivated (non-live) flu viruses.
Xofluza hasn’t been studied with any flu vaccines. However, Xofluza is an antiviral drug that kills live flu viruses. Therefore, if you take Xofluza at the same time as getting the nasal spray flu vaccine, Xofluza could kill live viruses in the vaccine. This means Xofluza could make the nasal vaccine less effective at protecting you against the flu.
On the other hand, Xofluza is unlikely to affect how the flu shot works because it doesn’t contain live viruses.
If you want to get a flu vaccine at the same time as Xofluza, talk with your doctor about your options. Getting a flu vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself from the flu.
Will I be able to consume dairy or calcium during my Xofluza treatment?
You should not take Xofluza with dairy products or calcium-fortified drinks, or with other medications that contain calcium. This is because minerals such as calcium can prevent your body from absorbing Xofluza as well as usual. In animal studies, this effect was seen when Xofluza was taken with calcium (along with magnesium and aluminum).
However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans, and this effect hasn’t been studied in humans. But to be safe, the drug’s manufacturer recommends avoiding products containing these minerals when you take your Xofluza dose.
If you have questions about consuming dairy products or calcium with Xofluza, talk with your doctor.
Xofluza is used to treat or prevent influenza (the flu). When used to treat the flu, the drug helps your body recover more quickly than it would without treatment. However, you might want to take OTC medications to help relieve your symptoms while Xofluza is working. Listed below are examples of OTC drugs that may be used with Xofluza.
Examples of drugs that reduce body aches, headache, sore throat, and fever include:
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- naproxen (Aleve)
Examples of drugs that relieve a blocked or stuffy nose and sinuses include:
- pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- phenylephrine
- oxymetazoline
Examples of drugs that ease coughing include:
- guaifenesin (Mucinex)
- dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin)
Many OTC flu medications contain a combination of several of the drug ingredients listed above. As with prescription medications, not all OTC medications are a good fit for everyone. To make sure an OTC medication is safe for you, check the label or talk with your doctor.
You can talk with your pharmacist about remedies that can help your symptoms. However, while you have the flu, it’s best to either call the pharmacist for advice or send someone else to the drugstore for you. This helps you avoid transmitting the infection.
It’s important not to take more than the recommended dosage of OTC medications. In addition, do not take more than one medication containing the same active ingredient. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which drugs you can take with Xofluza.
You should take Xofluza according to your doctor’s or a healthcare professional’s instructions.
When to take
To treat the flu, you should take Xofluza within 48 hours after your flu symptoms begin. And to prevent the flu, you should take Xofluza as soon as possible after being exposed to someone with the flu.
Note: If you’re taking Xofluza suspension (a type of liquid mixture), it’s important that you take the suspension within 10 hours after it’s been mixed. (Your pharmacist will mix the suspension before dispensing it to you.) This is because the suspension doesn’t contain any preservatives, so it’s meant to be taken shortly after it’s made.
Taking Xofluza with food
You can take Xofluza either with or without food. However, do not take Xofluza with dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, or cheese. In addition, do not take it with calcium-fortified drinks, such as fruit juice with added calcium.
Can Xofluza be crushed, split, or chewed?
No, Xofluza tablets should not be crushed, split, or chewed. The tablets should be swallowed whole. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, refer to this article for some tips. Your doctor or pharmacist may also have suggestions for how to take this medication. Or you could ask your doctor if they can prescribe the Xofluza oral suspension instead if you have trouble swallowing tablets.
It’s not known whether Xofluza is safe to take during pregnancy. The drug hasn’t been studied in people who are pregnant. In animal studies, Xofluza didn’t have any negative effects on fetuses exposed to the drug. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.
Due to the lack of safety information, the
However, the CDC does recommend that those who are pregnant take certain other antiviral drugs to treat flu. That’s because pregnant people have a higher risk of developing complications from the flu, such as pneumonia.
If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about your options available for treating or preventing the flu.
It’s not known whether Xofluza is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Xofluza.
For more information about taking Xofluza during pregnancy, see the “Xofluza and pregnancy” section above.
It’s not known whether Xofluza passes into breast milk or whether it can affect the body’s production of breast milk. Xofluza hasn’t been studied in people who are breastfeeding.
The
If you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your options for treating or preventing the flu.
Xofluza can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.
Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.
Xofluza and other medications
Below are some of the medications that can interact with Xofluza. This section does not list all drugs that may interact with Xofluza.
Before taking Xofluza, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, OTC, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Xofluza and certain antacids
Xofluza should not be taken with certain antacids, which are used to treat indigestion or heartburn. Taking Xofluza with antacids that contain calcium, magnesium, or aluminum can prevent Xofluza from being absorbed into your body as well as usual. This can make Xofluza less effective at treating or preventing the flu.
Examples of antacids that can make Xofluza less effective include:
- calcium carbonate (Alka-Seltzer, Tums)
- aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone (Maalox, Mylanta)
- calcium hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids)
- magnesium sulfate/sodium hydrogen carbonate/citric acid (Andrews original salts)
You should avoid taking these antacids before or after your Xofluza dose. Because you’ll only take one dose of Xofluza, you can start taking the antacids again the next day.
Xofluza and certain laxatives
Laxatives are used to treat constipation. Taking Xofluza with certain laxatives that contain magnesium can prevent Xofluza from being absorbed into your body as well as usual. This can make Xofluza less effective at treating or preventing the flu. Therefore, you should not take Xofluza at the same time as these laxatives.
Examples of laxatives that can make Xofluza less effective include:
- milk of magnesia
- Andrews original salts
- Epsom salt
- Citroma
You should avoid taking these laxatives before or after your Xofluza dose. Because you’ll only take one dose of Xofluza, you can start taking the laxatives again the next day.
Xofluza and herbs and supplements
Taking Xofluza with certain supplements can prevent Xofluza from being absorbed into your body as well as usual. This can make Xofluza less effective at treating or preventing the flu.
Examples of supplements that can make Xofluza less effective include:
- calcium
- iron
- magnesium
- selenium
- zinc
Do not take Xofluza at the same time as supplements containing any of the ingredients listed above. You should avoid taking these supplements before or after your Xofluza dose. Because you’ll only take one dose of Xofluza, you can start taking the supplements again the next day.
Xofluza and foods
Xofluza can interact with certain foods and drinks.
Xofluza and dairy products
Taking Xofluza with dairy products can prevent Xofluza from being absorbed into your body as well as usual. This can make Xofluza less effective at treating or preventing the flu. You should not take Xofluza at the same time as dairy products, including:
- milk
- cream
- yogurt
- cheese
You should avoid consuming dairy before or after your Xofluza dose. Because you’ll only take one dose of Xofluza, you can start consuming dairy again the next day.
There aren’t any other foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Xofluza. If you have any questions about eating certain other foods with Xofluza, talk with your doctor.
Xofluza and calcium-fortified drinks
Taking Xofluza with calcium-fortified drinks (which contain added calcium) can prevent Xofluza from being absorbed into your body as well as usual. This can make Xofluza less effective at treating or preventing the flu. An example of a calcium-fortified drink is fruit juice with added calcium.
You should avoid calcium-fortified drinks before or after your Xofluza dose. Because you’ll only take one dose of Xofluza, you can have these drinks again starting the next day.
Xofluza and flu vaccines
There are two types of flu vaccines. The nasal spray flu vaccine contains live but weakened forms of flu viruses. The flu shot contains inactivated (non-live) forms of flu viruses.
Xofluza hasn’t been studied with flu vaccines. However, Xofluza is an antiviral drug that kills live flu virus. Getting a nasal spray flu vaccine (such as FluMist)
On the other hand, Xofluza is unlikely to affect how the flu shot works, because the flu shot doesn’t contain a live virus. If you want to get a flu vaccine at the same time as Xofluza, talk with your doctor about your options. Getting a flu vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself from the flu.
If you’ve recently had a flu vaccine, talk with your doctor about whether Xofluza is likely to make the vaccine less effective. They may recommend that you get another flu vaccine after taking Xofluza.
If you’re supposed to get a flu vaccine after taking Xofluza, talk with your doctor about the best time to have it and which type is recommended for you.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs, such as Xofluza, to treat certain conditions. Xofluza may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.
Xofluza for flu
Xofluza is FDA-approved to treat and prevent influenza (the flu) in certain people. Specifically, the drug is approved for use in adults and children ages 5 years and older to:
- Treat influenza. Xofluza is approved to treat flu that doesn’t require treatment in a hospital. It’s used in people who’ve had flu symptoms for up to 48 hours and who are either:
- healthy, with no risk factors for complications from the flu, or
- high risk of developing complications from the flu, such as pneumonia
- Prevent influenza. Xofluza is approved to prevent the flu in people who have had contact with someone who’s known to have the flu.
Xofluza is a type of drug called an antiviral. It stops the flu virus from multiplying inside your body and can help you recover from the infection faster. Xofluza is taken as a single, one-time dose to treat or prevent the flu.
Note: Xofluza may work better for certain types of influenza. Your doctor will determine whether Xofluza is a good option for the type of flu you have or may have been exposed to.
About the flu
Flu is a contagious condition that’s caused by the influenza virus. After contracting the flu virus, the infection affects your nose, lungs, and throat.
The virus is transferred through coughing, sneezing, talking, and breathing. Symptoms of flu come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, body aches and pains, cough, and severe fatigue.
Your doctor may prescribe Xofluza if you have a high risk of developing complications from the flu. These complications can include trouble breathing, pneumonia, dehydration, or worsening of an existing health condition. Flu complications often need to be treated in a hospital.
People with a high risk of developing complications from the flu include:
- adults ages 65 years and older
- people with heart disease
- people with a lung condition such as asthma or COPD
- people with kidney disease
- people with diabetes
- people with a weak immune system
- people having treatment for cancer
- people taking high doses of corticosteroids
For more information about the flu, see our flu hub.
Effectiveness for treating flu
Xofluza has been shown to be effective at shortening the length of time people have the flu. In clinical trials, flu symptoms were relieved an average of about a day faster in people who took Xofluza than in people who took a placebo. (A placebo is a treatment containing no active drug ingredient.)
Effectiveness for preventing flu
In a clinical trial, Xofluza helped to prevent flu in people exposed to others with the flu. In the trial, people who enrolled were exposed to other people who’d had the flu for up to 48 hours. And the enrolled people had lived with the person with the flu for longer than 48 hours.
Some of the enrolled people took Xofluza, while other enrolled people took a placebo (treatment with no active drug ingredient). Over the 10-day trial, flu with fever and at least one respiratory symptom was seen in more people who took the placebo than people who took Xofluza.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source tracks flu activity in the United States. It determines which strains of the flu virus are currently circulating and whether they’re likely to be resistant to certain antivirals. Your doctor will typically prescribe Xofluza only if it’s recommended by the CDC for the current flu season.
Xofluza and children
Xofluza is not FDA-approved for children younger than 5 years old.
Xofluza is FDA-approved to treat and prevent influenza (the flu) in adults and children ages 5 years and older who meet certain conditions. For more information, see the “Xofluza uses” section above.
What happens with the flu
Flu is caused by the influenza virus. There are two main types of influenza virus: type A and type B. There are various different strains of these viruses that circulate each year.
The flu virus infects your nose, throat, and lungs and is spread through coughing, sneezing, talking, and breathing. The virus typically causes flu symptoms within 1 to 4 days of someone becoming infected. Without treatment, flu symptoms can last for a week or longer. For some people, the flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia.
What Xofluza does
Xofluza is an antiviral drug that kills the flu virus. It can kill type A and type B flu viruses.
Xofluza contains the active drug baloxavir marboxil. Xofluza works by blocking the action of a protein called endonuclease. Flu viruses use this protein to replicate (make copies of themselves).
Xofluza blocks a different protein than do other drugs used for the flu. By blocking this protein, Xofluza stops the flu virus from replicating. This allows your immune system to fight off the virus. If you’re sick with the flu, Xofluza helps you recover from flu symptoms about a day faster than you would typically recover with no treatment.
Having drugs available that work differently on the flu is useful, because flu strains change every year. And, like other viruses, the flu can develop
Because Xofluza works differently than other medications do on the flu, it may work against flu strains that other drugs aren’t effective against.
How long does it take to work?
Xofluza starts working against the flu virus within 4 hours of when you take a dose.
In people treating the flu, the majority feel better about 2 days after taking it. This is about 1 day faster than if you don’t take an antiviral drug.
If you don’t start to feel better about 2 days after taking Xofluza, or if your symptoms get worse, call your doctor.
How long does Xofluza stay in your system?
Xofluza takes about 16 days to be removed from your body.
Other drugs are available that can treat or prevent influenza (the flu). Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Xofluza, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
Alternatives for treating the flu
Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat influenza infection include:
Alternatives for preventing the flu
Examples of other drugs that may be used to prevent influenza infection include:
- flu vaccine*†
- oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
- zanamivir (Relenza)
* The
† Xofluza can interact with certain forms of flu vaccine. For more information, see “Xofluza and flu vaccines” in the “Xofluza interactions” section above.
Xofluza and Relenza are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how these drugs are alike and different.
Ingredients
Xofluza contains the active drug baloxavir marboxil. Relenza contains the active drug zanamivir.
Uses
Xofluza and Relenza are both FDA-approved to treat influenza (the flu) that doesn’t require treatment in a hospital. They’re used in people who’ve had flu symptoms for up to 48 hours. Xofluza is approved for use in adults and in children ages 5 years and older. Relenza is approved for use in adults and in children ages 7 years and older.
In addition, both Xofluza and Relenza are approved to prevent flu. For this use, Xofluza can be used in adults and children ages 5 years and older who have had contact with someone who has the flu. And Relenza can be used in adults and children ages 5 years and older for this purpose.
Drug forms and administration
Xofluza comes as tablets and a suspension that you take by mouth as a single, one-time dose. You’ll take a one-time dose regardless of whether you’re using the drug to treat or prevent the flu.
Relenza comes as a powder that you breathe in through an inhaler device called a Diskhaler. It’s taken twice per day for 5 days to treat the flu. For preventing the flu, Relenza is taken once per day for at least 10 days and up to 28 days.
Side effects and risks
Xofluza and Relenza can cause some similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects.
Mild side effects
These lists contain some of the more common mild side effects that can occur with each drug, or with both Xofluza and Relenza (when taken individually). These side effects can also be symptoms of the flu.
- Can occur with Xofluza:
- few unique mild side effects
- Can occur with Relenza:
- dizziness
- Can occur with both Xofluza and Relenza:
- sinusitis (swelling in your sinuses)
- nausea
- headache
- diarrhea
- bronchitis (swelling in your airways)
- vomiting
Serious side effects
These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Xofluza, with Relenza, or with both drugs (when taken individually).
- Can occur with Xofluza:
- few unique serious side effects
- Can occur with Relenza:
- bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways that causes trouble breathing)
- Can occur with both Xofluza and Relenza:
Effectiveness
These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials. However, studies have found both Xofluza and Relenza to be effective for treating the flu.
A 2019 review of studies indirectly compared the effectiveness of Xofluza and Relenza. The review suggests that Xofluza may improve flu symptoms faster than Relenza. However, the review only included studies involving people who were generally healthy other than having the flu. It didn’t include studies involving people at risk of flu complications, such as pneumonia.
Both Xofluza and Relenza are recommended by the
Costs
The actual price you’ll pay for either Xofluza or Relenza depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Xofluza and Relenza are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no generic forms of either drug. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.
Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for Xofluza and Relenza.
This drug comes with some precautions. Before taking Xofluza, talk with your doctor about your health history. Xofluza may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:
- Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Xofluza or any of its ingredients, you should not take Xofluza. Ask your doctor about other medications that may be a better option for you.
- Pregnancy. Xofluza is not recommended during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Xofluza and pregnancy” section above.
- Breastfeeding. Xofluza is not recommended while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Xofluza and breastfeeding” section above.
Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Xofluza, see the “Xofluza side effects” section above.
Do not use more Xofluza than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.
What to do in case you take too much Xofluza
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
When you get Xofluza from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the packet. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.
The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The
Storage
How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.
Storing Xofluza tablets
Xofluza tablets should be stored at a room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). The tablets should be stored in their blister packs away from light.
Storing Xofluza suspension
Once your pharmacist has mixed the Xofluza suspension, you should store it at a room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). And you should take it within 10 hours after it’s been mixed. You’ll need to discard the suspension if:
- you haven’t taken it more than 10 hours after it was made
- you’ve stored it at a temperature higher than 77°F (25°C)
Disposal
If you no longer need to take Xofluza and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.
This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.
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.
