Xofluza vs. Tamiflu for Flu: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Tamiflu

(oseltamivir)

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Summary for Xofluza

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.

Indications for Xofluza

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

Pros and Cons for Xofluza

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

Common Side Effects for Xofluza

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%)

Warnings for Xofluza

Allergic reaction
Risk of bacterial infections

Summary for Tamiflu

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 for Tamiflu

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 for Tamiflu

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)