Prescribing oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

GPs can now prescribe oseltamivir on the NHS at any time of year for eligible patients (no longer restricted to “flu in circulation” periods).

Prescribing essentials:

Prescribe for patients in clinical at-risk groups or those at risk of severe illness/complications from influenza.
Prescription must be endorsed ‘SLS’ (Selected List Scheme).
Follow UKHSA guidance for treatment (within 48h of symptom onset) and post-exposure prophylaxis (within 48h of exposure).
 
At-risk groups include:

• Chronic respiratory, cardiac, renal, hepatic, or neurological disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Severe immunosuppression
• Age over 65 years
• Pregnancy (including up to 2 weeks post-partum)
• Children under 6 months of age
• Morbid obesity (BMI ≥40)

References:

UKHSA: Influenza treatment and prophylaxis using anti-viral agents