Tamiflu cost: how to pay less for oseltamivir

What Tamiflu does

Oseltamivir is an antiviral used to treat flu in adults, children and babies older than 2 weeks who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. It’s also used to help prevent flu in people 1 year and older who have been around someone with the flu (MedlinePlus). It doesn’t treat colds or COVID-19, and FDA says antibiotics don’t treat flu either (FDA). This page isn’t medical advice.

FDA says many people with uncomplicated flu get better with or without an antiviral, but prescription antivirals can shorten the time it takes symptoms to improve. People with chronic conditions, children under 5, adults 65 and older and pregnant women may be at higher risk of complications (FDA). If you’re in a higher-risk group, call your doctor early.

Capsules or liquid: price both

Oseltamivir comes as a capsule and as a liquid suspension (MedlinePlus). Liquid is common for young children, and prices for the two forms can differ. If the commercial liquid isn’t available, MedlinePlus says your pharmacist may prepare a suspension for you. Ask the pharmacy to quote the exact form your prescription calls for.

How it compares with other flu antivirals

• Xofluza (baloxavir). Used to treat and prevent some types of flu, and usually taken as a one-time treatment (MedlinePlus). FDA lists Tamiflu, but not Xofluza, as available as a generic (FDA), so ask what each would cost you.
• Relenza and Rapivab. FDA lists these as the other two antivirals CDC recommends for current flu viruses. Older drugs such as amantadine aren’t recommended because many flu strains resist them (FDA).
• Which one is right? That depends on your age, health and how long you’ve been sick, so let your prescriber decide.

Safety rules worth knowing

• Watch for behavior changes. MedlinePlus says people with the flu, especially children and teens, may become confused, agitated or behave strangely. Call the doctor right away if this happens (MedlinePlus).
• Finish the prescription. Don’t stop early without talking to your doctor (MedlinePlus).
• Nasal flu vaccine. Tell your doctor if you got or plan to get FluMist, since oseltamivir may make it less effective (MedlinePlus).
• Fructose intolerance. The liquid is sweetened with sorbitol, so tell your doctor (MedlinePlus).
• Xofluza. MedlinePlus says not to take it with dairy products or calcium-fortified drinks (MedlinePlus).

The cheapest flu is the one you don’t get

Oseltamivir doesn’t replace a yearly flu vaccine (MedlinePlus). Marketplace plans and many other plans must cover flu shots without a copay when you use an in-network provider (HealthCare.gov). Medicare Part B covers one flu shot each season (Medicare.gov).

How to pay less

• Ask for the generic. FDA says generics work the same way as the brand, and prices tend to drop as more companies make the same drug (FDA).
• Compare cash prices. The same oseltamivir prescription can cost different amounts at different pharmacies. Check a free discount card such as RxGo before you fill, and compare it with your copay.
• Check your plan’s drug list. Look up the drug and its tier, then compare the copay with a discount price (HealthCare.gov).
• On Medicare? If your income is limited, apply for Extra Help. Drugs bought with a discount card instead of your plan don’t count toward your plan’s out-of-pocket limit (Medicare.gov).
• No insurance? HRSA-funded health centers charge on a sliding scale based on income. Find one near you.