Health trends - Tamiflu in new concentration

Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) for oral suspension has a label change and new concentration (6 mg/mL). Labelling changes are being made to Tamiflu oral suspension to reduce the possibility of prescribing and dosing confusion that can lead to medication errors. The changes to the product label include:

A change in the concentration of Tamiflu from 12 mg/mL to 6 mg/mL. The lower concentration of Tamiflu is less likely to become frothy when shaken, which helps to ensure an accurate measurement. A change in the measurements of the oral-dosing device from milligrams (mg = weight) to millilitres (mL = volume).

A change in the dosing table for Tamiflu to include a column for the volume (mL) based on the new 6 mg/mL concentration. Revised container labels and carton packaging. Revised compounding instructions for pharmacies to prepare a 6 mg/mL oral suspension from Tamiflu capsules in an emergency situation only if the commercially manufactured Tamiflu for oral suspension is unavailable.

Source: The US Food and Drug Administration