Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat the flu. Tamiflu may not be safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Tamiflu is a safe option for you.
It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Tamiflu while pregnant. No clinical studies have compared the use of Tamiflu versus a placebo (treatment with no active drug) in pregnant people.
However, some studies have included people who took Tamiflu during any trimester of their pregnancy. These studies did not show an increased risk of congenital anomalies (commonly called birth defects) when people took Tamiflu.
In animal studies, Tamiflu did not cause negative effects to fetuses exposed to the drug. But keep in mind that animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.
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If you’re pregnant and you get the flu, talk with your doctor about treatment options. Also, talk with your doctor about getting a flu vaccine during pregnancy to help prevent influenza infections.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that Tamiflu could have on you or a child who is breastfed.
Tamiflu has been found in breast milk when it’s taken by someone who is lactating. However, it’s unknown whether it’s safe for infants less than 12 weeks to consume the drug in breast milk.
If you’re breastfeeding and considering treatment with Tamiflu, talk with your doctor. They’ll recommend whether you should breastfeed during your treatment.
If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to consider how Tamiflu could affect your birth control needs.
It’s unknown whether Tamiflu is safe to take during pregnancy. If you or your sexual partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Tamiflu.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.