ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS TO TREAT OR PREVENT INFLUENZA (THE FLU) DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING

THIS MEDICATION CAN CAUSE HARM TO YOUR BABY: The flu can cause serious effects in both you and your baby. The benefits of treatment with antiviral medications, particularly oseltamivir, outweigh potential risks.

What Is antiviral medication?

Antiviral medications are used to fight against the flu when you have been infected by the influenza virus.  They are only available by prescription from your doctor or healthcare provider. There are 3 types of antiviral medications that are approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC to treat the flu during the 2016-2017 season. These include: oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab). Generic oseltamivir is available as either a liquid or capsule.  Only the brand name version of Relenza is available, and it is in the form of a powder that is inhaled. Rapivab is also only available as a brand name medication. It is an intravenous medication that is given by a healthcare professional in the hospital if you have a severe case of the flu.  There are other antiviral medications available, which include amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine). However, these are not currently recommended by the CDC to treat and prevent flu because the influenza virus is resistant to these medications, making them ineffective.