When to Take Xofluza, Plus 4 More Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Taking It
Key takeaways:
Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is a one-dose flu medication that should be taken within 48 hours of coming down with flu symptoms. It’s available as a tablet or an oral suspension (liquid). Xofluza is usually well tolerated, and most side effects can be managed at home if they happen.
You can take Xofluza with or without food, but you should avoid foods or drinks that are high in calcium. You also shouldn’t take medications or supplements that contain calcium or metals such as iron, zinc, or magnesium with Xofluza.
There are ways to save on Xofluza. If you’re eligible, a manufacturer savings card can help you get Xofluza for as little as $30 per dose.
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Table of contents
If you develop flu symptoms, or you’ve been exposed to someone who has the flu, your healthcare provider may prescribe you Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil). It’s given as a one-time dose to treat or prevent the flu in children and adults ages 5 and over. Here are five tips to make sure you get the most out of your Xofluza dose.
1. Take Xofluza within 48 hours of developing flu symptoms
You should take Xofluza within 48 hours (2 days) of the start of your flu symptoms. It’s best to take it as soon as possible, so reach out to your healthcare provider for a prescription as soon as you start feeling sick.
There’s no specific time of day that’s best to take Xofluza. Most people take it as soon as they get it from their pharmacy in order to get it into their system right away.
Good to know: If you’ve consumed any foods or drinks that are high in calcium or taken medications or supplements that contain certain metals, it’s best to wait 4 to 5 hours before you take Xofluza. We’ll cover these interactions in more detail later.
2. You can take Xofluza with or without food, but avoid products high in calcium
You can take Xofluza with or without food. But taking it with food may help reduce nausea, a common Xofluza side effect.
However, it’s best to avoid foods or drinks that are high in calcium with Xofluza. Calcium can bind to Xofluza and keep your body from absorbing it. Examples of things to avoid include:
Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
Plant-based milks
Collard greens
Cereal fortified with calcium
Orange juice fortified with calcium
If you’ve already consumed high-calcium food products, wait 4 to 5 hours before taking Xofluza. Otherwise, avoid them until the day after you take it.
3. There are ways to manage Xofluza side effects
Xofluza is generally well tolerated. Most side effects in clinical trials were more common in people taking a placebo (sugar pill) than in those taking Xofluza. Reported side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. Sinus pain and bronchitis are also possible.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can help with headache and sinus pain if needed. Following a gentle BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) can help with diarrhea and stomach upset. And don’t forget to stay hydrated.
Most Xofluza side effects should go away on their own. But if they worsen or don’t go away, let your healthcare provider know.
4. Xofluza comes as an oral solution if you can’t swallow tablets
Xofluza comes in a 40 mg and an 80 mg tablet. If swallowing a tablet is difficult for you or your child, it also comes in a strawberry-flavored oral suspension (liquid) that contains 40 mg in each 20 mL bottle (2 mg/mL). Your healthcare provider can specify the liquid form on your prescription.
Your Xofluza dose is based on your body weight. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to make sure you take the right amount of the oral suspension for your dose. And use a measuring spoon or syringe from the pharmacy to measure it — a household spoon isn’t an accurate measuring device.
Xofluza oral suspension doesn’t need to be refrigerated. But you should take it within 10 hours of when it was mixed by the pharmacy. If you have any medication remaining after your dose, safely discard it.
5. You shouldn’t take Xofluza with certain medications
As mentioned, calcium and certain metals can bind to Xofluza and prevent your body from absorbing it. So it’s best to avoid medications and supplements that contain any of the following ingredients:
Calcium
Zinc
Magnesium
Iron
Selenium
Aluminum
This can include certain laxatives and antacids as well as multivitamins or supplements that help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
If you’ve already taken one of these products, wait 4 to 5 hours before taking your Xofluza dose. Otherwise, avoid them until the day after you take it.
There are ways to save on your Xofluza prescription
Xofluza is only available as a brand-name medication. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $30 for Xofluza using a savings card from the manufacturer.
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, the same savings card can take up to $60 off the cost of your Xofluza prescription.
The bottom line
Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is a single-dose medication that helps treat and prevent the flu. You need to take Xofluza within 48 hours (2 days) of when your flu symptoms start in order for it to work. It comes as an oral suspension if you have trouble swallowing tablets.
You can take Xofluza with or without food, but avoid dairy products or other high-calcium food items the day you take it. It’s also best to avoid any vitamins, supplements, or medications that contain calcium or metals such as zinc, magnesium, and iron. They can make Xofluza less effective.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Influenza antiviral medications: Summary for clinicians.
Genentech, Inc. (2023). Xofluza- baloxavir marboxil tablet, film coated; xofluza- baloxavir marboxil granule, for solution [package insert].
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