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Compare Xofluza vs. Tamiflu

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir) are both antiviral medications used to treat and prevent the flu. They are similar in that they need to be taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms to be effective. However, they belong to different medication classes and have different dosages. Xofluza is taken as a single dose, whereas Tamiflu requires a 5-day course for treatment and a longer course for prevention. Xofluza is available only as a brand-name medication, while Tamiflu is available in both brand and generic forms. So Xofluza may be more expensive, depending on your insurance coverage. Xofluza can be used in children 5 years and older, while Tamiflu can be used in children as young as 2 weeks old. Common side effects of Xofluza include swelling in the nose and throat, diarrhea, and nausea, while Tamiflu may cause nausea and vomiting. Both medications can interact with the live flu vaccine, but the timing of the interaction differs.

  • Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil)
    Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
  • Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil)
    Tamiflu (oseltamivir)

  • Summary of Xofluza vs. Tamiflu

    Summary for Antiviral
    Prescription only

    Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is an antiviral medication. It's used to treat and sometimes prevent the flu with a single dose. It's taken within 48 hours at the start of flu symptoms or exposure to someone who has the flu. Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) comes as tablets and a liquid for people ages 5 years and older. Common side effects include sinusitis, diarrhea, and nausea. There's currently no generic version of this medication available.

    Summary for Antiviral
    Prescription only

    Tamiflu (oseltamivir) works well to treat the flu, but you have to take your first dose within 48 hours of the start of your flu symptoms. It can also help prevent the flu if you've recently been in close contact with someone who has the flu. Kids as young as 2 weeks old can take Tamiflu (oseltamivir), but keep in mind that the pediatric dosing is different than adult dosing. It's only available with a prescription (not available over the counter), so don't wait to see your provider if you start feeling sick. This medication comes as a brand or generic capsule or fruit-flavored liquid. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) can cause side effects like nausea and vomiting.

  • Indications of Xofluza vs. Tamiflu

    Indications for
    •Flu treatment for people 5 years and older with flu symptoms for no more than 48 hours
    •Flu prevention for people 5 years and older who've been in contact with someone who has the flu
    Indications for
    •Flu treatment (flu types A and B) in people 2 weeks of age and older
    •Flu prevention (flu types A and B) in people 1 year of age and older

  • Pros and Cons of Xofluza vs. Tamiflu

    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    •Can help treat and prevent flu infection
    •Can help you feel better from the flu in about 2 days
    •Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
    Cons
    •Must take within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms or exposure
    •Not approved for children younger than 5 years old
    •Not the preferred treatment for people who are pregnant
    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    •Helps you feel better from the flu about 1 to 2 days sooner than if you didn't take anything
    •Can also help prevent you from getting the flu
    •Can be used in children as young as 2 weeks of age and pregnant women
    •Lower-cost generic version available
    Cons
    •Not a replacement for the annual flu shot
    •Requires a prescription from your healthcare provider
    •Only works if you take it within 2 days (48 hours) from when you first felt flu symptoms to treat (or when you were first in contact with someone who has the flu to prevent)

  • Common Side Effects of Xofluza vs. Tamiflu

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults and adolescents:

    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Bronchitis (3%)
    •Nausea (2%)
    •Sinusitis (swelling in the sinuses, 2%)

    Children 5 to 11 years old:

    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Vomiting (5%)
    Common Side Effects for

    For flu treatment

    •Nausea (10%)
    •Vomiting (8%)

    For flu prevention

    •Headache (17%)
    •Nausea (8%)

  • Warnings of Xofluza vs. Tamiflu

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Risk of bacterial infections
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious skin reactions and allergic reactions
    •Unusual behavior and hallucinations
    •Reaction with nasal spray flu vaccine
    •Risk of bacterial infections
    •Hereditary fructose intolerance (for the liquid form)

  • Prices with our coupons for Xofluza vs. Tamiflu

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    Learn more about Tamiflu

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