
How soon after taking Xofluza will my symptoms improve?
If you start feeling symptoms of the flu, such a shortness of breath, high fever and abdominal pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Genentech, the maker of Xofluza, says that it works best if taken within 48 hours of these symptoms beginning.
How long does it take for Xofluza (Baloxavir marboxil) to work for flu?
In general, it takes about 1 to 2 days in adults for their flu symptoms to downgrade to the mild absent level after taking Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil). Xofluza can reduce the amount of time a person is sick by one day or more. In clinical studies with Xofluza, investigators looked at alleviation of acute uncomplicated flu symptoms such as:
What is Xofluza used to treat?
Xofluza can reduce the amount of time a person is sick by one day or more. treat the flu (influenza) in people who have had flu symptoms for no more than 48 hours and who are otherwise healthy adults and children 5 years of age and older, or adults and children 12 years of age and older who are at high risk of developing problems from the flu.
How much Xofluza do you take for the flu?
Xofluza solution is taken by mouth and is available in one strength: 40 mg/20 mL. Xofluza is taken as a single, one-time dose for the flu. To treat the flu, you should take Xofluza within 48 hours of when your flu symptoms start.

Does Xofluza work faster than Tamiflu?
Experts have found that people who take Xofluza feel better about 8 hours faster than those who take Tamiflu, though those results were not significant (meaning the difference could have happened by chance). If you're looking to feel better as fast as possible, Xofluza might be the better option but not by much.
How long do flu symptoms last with Xofluza?
Official answer. In general, it takes about 1 to 2 days in adults for their flu symptoms to downgrade to the mild or absent level after taking Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil). Xofluza can reduce the amount of time a person is sick by one day or more.
Will Xofluza work after 48 hours?
The flu is serious—Act within 48 hours One-dose XOFLUZA can help alleviate flu symptoms in otherwise healthy patients aged 5 and older—but the window of 48 hours for prescription treatment is short.
Does Xofluza make you less contagious?
Do flu medicines help stop the spread? No. You can still make other people sick even if you're taking antiviral mediations that treat the flu. The CDC recommends four FDA-approved drugs to treat the flu: baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza).
How long after taking Xofluza Will I feel better?
Xofluza starts working against the flu virus within 4 hours of when you take a dose. In people treating the flu, the majority feel better about 2 days after taking it. If you don't start to feel better about 2 days after taking Xofluza, or if your symptoms get worse, call your doctor.
What are the side effects of Xofluza?
The most common side effects of XOFLUZA for treatment of the flu in adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older) were diarrhea, bronchitis, nausea, sinusitis, and headache....Allergic reaction.trouble breathing.skin rash, hives or blisters.swelling of your face, throat or mouth.dizziness or lightheadedness.
Which is better Tamiflu or Xofluza?
Xofluza seemed to be more effective than Tamiflu with a shorter time to symptom improvement: 73 hours with Xofluza versus 81 hours with Tamiflu. Xofluza also shortened the time of viral shedding, or being contagious, to 48 hours versus up to 96 hours with placebo or Tamiflu.
How long are you contagious with the flu?
People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. However, infants and people with weakened immune systems who are infected with flu viruses may be contagious for longer than seven days.
Do you need to eat with Xofluza?
Take XOFLUZA with or without food. Do not take XOFLUZA with dairy products, calcium-fortified beverages, laxatives, antacids or oral supplements containing iron, zinc, selenium, calcium or magnesium.
Is flu A or B worse?
Type A influenza is generally considered worse than type B influenza. This is because the symptoms are often more severe in type A influenza than in type B influenza. Type A influenza is more common than type B influenza. Researchers suggest that most adults have considerable immunity against type B influenza.
Can you take Xofluza twice?
None of the antivirals that are FDA-approved for influenza have been found to be effective for treating COVID-19. Depending on a person's weight, the dosage of baloxavir is one or two 40-mg tablets, taken once. The medication stays active for a long time, and additional doses are not necessary.
How long after flu will you test positive?
Samples should be collected within the first 3-4 days of illness. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) provide results within approximately 15 minutes; viral culture provides results in 3-10 days.
How long does it take for flu medicine to kick in?
Most people recover from the flu's major symptoms within 3 to 7 days, but if you take Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), it may shorten recovery time by 1 to 2 days. Tamiflu is the brand name for the drug oseltamivir phosphate.
What is the difference between Tamiflu and Xofluza?
Tamiflu is prescribed to both prevent and treat the flu, whereas Xofluza only treats the flu. Tamiflu can also be prescribed to younger patients (age 1 year and older), whereas Xofluza can only be prescribed to patients 12 and older. Additionally, Tamiflu is generally used for 5 or more days. Xofluza is a single dose.
How can I get rid of the flu faster?
12 Tips for a Speedy Flu RecoveryStay home. Your body needs time and energy to fight off the flu virus, which means that your daily routine should be put on the backburner. ... Hydrate. ... Sleep as much as possible. ... Ease your breathing. ... Eat healthy foods. ... Add moisture to the air. ... Take OTC medications. ... Try elderberry.More items...
Does Xofluza work on influenza A?
Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) works against the two types of influenza virus that cause disease in humans, influenza A and B. This new drug works differently than currently available drugs, including oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab).
What is Xofluza?
Xofluza ( baloxavir marboxil) is used to treat flu symptoms caused by the influenza virus in people who have had symptoms for no more than 48 hours. Baloxavir marboxil will not treat the common cold.
How should I take Xofluza?
Take Xofluza exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What other drugs will affect Xofluza?
Other drugs may interact with baloxavir marboxil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
How much is 40 mg of n#?
12 years or older:#N#-Weight 40 to less than 80 kg: 40 mg orally once as a single dose#N#-Weight at least 80 kg: 80 mg orally once as a single dose#N#Use: For the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients symptomatic for no more than 48 hours
How to report Xofluza side effects?
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Xofluza side effects (more detail)
What happens if you are allergic to Xofluza?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Xofluza: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What is Xofluza?
Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is a medication prescribed for people who are 12 years of age and older who have had flu symptoms for 48 hours or less . Studies show that people who take Xofluza recover an average of 2.3 days. Xofluza cannot prevent the flu, but it reduces how long you feel bad. The catch is you have to take it within the first 48 hours that you notice symptoms.
How does Xofluza work?
Xofluza belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals, which are medications used to treat infections caused by viruses. Because the flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, it’s important to understand that Xofluza does not work against infections caused by bacteria. So, if you come down with a cold during or after you get the flu, Xofluza won’t help to fight those symptoms.
What are Xofluza side effects?
Most individuals who take Xofluza report few side effects. However, all medications have the potential to cause side effects, and Xofluza is no exception. The most common side effects people who take Xofluza have reported are:
How to prevent the flu?
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting your annual flu shot. This year in particular, since we are dealing with both flu season and COVID-19, it’s critical that you get your flu shot. The CDC recommends that everyone receive the flu shot by the end of October. If you run late, you should still get the vaccine as it is better to get the flu shot late, than to not get it at all.
Can you take Xofluza with antacids?
Some antacids and laxatives contain calcium or other minerals that can cause Xofluza to be less effective. If you’re in doubt, avoid taking the antacids or the laxatives at the same time that you take Xofluza, and contact a pharmacist for their recommendation.
Can Xofluza cause a rash?
Rare, but serious allergic reactions to Xofluza have also been reported. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash, swelling, itching, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, get medical help immediately.
Can you recover from the flu at home?
Although the flu can lead to serious complications, requiring hospitalization, most individuals who get the flu will recover at home, often with the help of flu medication such as Xo fluza. So, what is Xofluza, and how does it work?
How long are you contagious after taking Xofluza?
Taking Xofluza helps your body to fight off the influenza (flu) virus , but it won’t stop you from being contagious (able to transmit the flu virus to other people). The flu virus is highly contagious. It’s easily transferred in droplets you breathe out, especially through coughing, sneezing, and talking.
How fast does Xofluza work?
Xofluza starts working against the flu virus within 4 hours of when you take a dose.
Can you take Xofluza twice?
It depends. You shouldn’t take Xofluza twice to treat the same bout of flu. However, your doctor might prescribe it twice if you get the flu twice in one season or if you get the flu again the next year.
Can I take Xofluza more than 48 hours after my first flu symptoms appear?
No, you shouldn’t take Xofluza if it’s been more than 48 hours since your first flu symptoms appeared. For treating the flu, the drug was only studied in people who had shown symptoms for no more than 48 hours. Therefore, it isn’t known how safe or effective the drug is in people who’ve had symptoms for longer than that.
Will I be able to consume dairy or calcium during my Xofluza treatment?
You should not take Xofluza with dairy products or calcium-fortified drinks, or with other medications that contain calcium. This is because minerals such as calcium can prevent your body from absorbing Xofluza as well. In animal studies, this effect was seen when Xofluza was taken with calcium (along with magnesium and aluminum).
Can Xofluza be crushed, split, or chewed?
No, Xofluza shouldn’t be crushed, split, or chewed. These tablets should be swallowed whole. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble swallowing Xofluza tablets.
How many strengths of Xofluza are there?
Xofluza comes as: Tablets. These are taken by mouth and are available in two strengths: 20 milligrams (mg) and 40 mg. Granules that are made into a solution. Xofluza solution is taken by mouth and is available in one strength: 40 mg/20 mL. Xofluza is taken as a single, one-time dose for the flu.
Why is this announcement such big news?
The strength of the flu each year is dependent on a few factors, including which strains of the virus are circulating, how effective the vaccine is and how many people get vaccinated.
How quickly does Xofluza work?
Genentech, the maker of Xofluza, says that it works best if taken within 48 hours of these symptoms beginning.
Will it work on every strain of the flu?
Genentech says that Xofluza was shown to be effective in non-clinical studies against a wide range of flu viruses, including Tamiflu-resistant and avian strains, such as H7N9 and H5N1.
How much does it cost?
If you get the flu, your doctor will decide if Xofluza is appropriate for you; it’s expected to become available to the public within the next few weeks.
How long does it take to take Tamiflu?
But whereas Tamiflu requires patients to take two doses a day for about five days, Xofluza requires only a single dose if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Xofluza can also reduce the amount of time a person is sick by more than a day. And, equally as important, Xofluza could possibly stop the spread of flu faster than Tamiflu.
How old do you have to be to get Xofluza?
But Xofluza (pronounced “ZOH-FLU-ZAH”) will give doctors a new option for fighting the flu once it’s diagnosed in people ages 12 and up.
What age can you get Xofluza?
But Xofluza (pronounced “ZOH-FLU-ZAH”) will give doctors a new option for fighting the flu once it’s diagnosed in people ages 12 and up. (MORE: The new flu vaccine recommendations as flu season approaches)
How does Tamiflu work?
Tamiflu works by stopping those copies from leaving your cells and making you more sick. It is approved to both treat the flu and prevent you from getting it if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has the flu, such as a family member. You have to start taking it within 48 hours of first feeling symptoms for it to work, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a flu test as soon as possible if you think you’re sick.
How does Xofluza work?
Xofluza works differently from Tamiflu. It actually stops the influenza virus from being able to make copies of itself. Currently, it’s only approved to treat the flu (not prevent it). Like Tamiflu, Xofluza also needs to be started within 48 hours of first feeling symptoms in order to work. Right now, it can only be prescribed to people 12 years of age or older.
What are common side effects of Xofluza?
Actually, in studies, those people who took placebo pills (pills with no medication in it) had side effects more often than those who took Xofluza! While diarrhea and nausea are the side effects you would most likely experience, it’s also possible for Xofluza to cause bronchitis, sinus problems, or a headache.
How much do they cost?
If your insurance doesn’t cover it, you may be able to save with GoodRx. The lowest price for a course of the generic version of Tamiflu, oseltamivir, is currently about $26.
Are they available over the counter?
Unfortunately, neither Tamiflu nor Xofluza are available over the counter. Because there is such a short window of time when you can take these for them to still be effective, a healthcare provider will need to write a prescription for you. To help prevent medication resistance from forming, your provider will most likely want to run a test to make sure you have the flu before prescribing anything. There are many viruses that cause similar symptoms to the flu, and these medications won’t help those infections.
Is Xofluza cheaper than Tamiflu?
Both Xofluza and Tamiflu are effective medications used to treat the flu. While Xo fluza is less likely to cause side effects, Tamiflu can be given to children under 12 and its generic version is typically much cheaper than Xofluza. No matter which medication you end up taking, though, just remember to stay home until you’re better to help prevent spreading the flu to others. Rest up, and feel better soon!
Can you take Xofluza with food?
While you can take Xofluza with or without food, you should separate it from dairy products or anything containing calcium (like vitamins, antacids, and foods or beverages with calcium added to them) by a few hours.
What Is Xofluza?
Xofluza ( baloxavir marboxil ) is an oral prescription drug used to prevent or treat influenza A or B (the seasonal flu). It is available as a tablet or suspension that is taken by mouth.
What Is Xofluza Used For?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xofluza for use in adults and adolescents 12 and older (weighing at least 88 pounds) to: 2
What Are the Side Effects of Xofluza?
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
Dosage: How Much Xofluza Should I Take?
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress after treatment to make sure that the infection is cleared up completely, and to allow your doctor to check for any unwanted effects.
What Other Medications May Interact With Xofluza?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
What Medications Are Similar?
Xofluza is a prescription antiviral drug used to prevent or treat seasonal flu in adults and adolescents 12 and older.
How long does it take for baloxavir to work?
CAPSTONE-1 showed that baloxavir reduced the duration of flu-like symptoms by about one day, from an average of 80.2 hours to 53.7 hours. Of note, patients who started baloxavir within 24 hours of symptom onset had a greater benefit from the drug compared to those who started later. Baloxavir rapidly reduced the concentration of influenza virus in respiratory secretions, and did so more rapidly than oseltamivir (one day versus three days, respectively). Nevertheless, both baloxavir and oseltamivir were similarly effective in shortening the duration of flu-like symptoms. Baloxavir was generally well tolerated.
How is baloxavir taken?
Baloxavir marboxil is taken by mouth. In the gastrointestinal tract, the marboxil component gives way to reveal the active drug, baloxavir acid. A phase 3 randomized, double-blind trial called CAPSTONE-1, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, compared baloxavir to oseltamivir and to placebo for the treatment of influenza-like illness. In this multicenter study (supported by the manufacturer of baloxavir), otherwise healthy patients, ages 20 to 64, received either a single dose of baloxavir (40 or 80 milligrams, depending on the weight of the patient); a twice-daily 75-mg dose of oseltamivir for five days; or placebo. In addition, children and adolescents ages 12 to 19 were randomized to receive either baloxavir or placebo.
What is the drug that blocks the virus?
Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) works against the two types of influenza virus that cause disease in humans, influenza A and B. This new drug works differently than currently available drugs, including oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab). These older drugs inhibit the virus by blocking a viral enzyme called ...
How long does it take to recover from the flu?
It helps make the symptoms (such as stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, aches, tiredness) less severe and may shorten the recovery time by 1 to 2 days. Baloxavir marboxil works by stopping the flu virus from growing. It will not treat other kinds of infection besides the flu virus. Baloxavir marboxil is not a substitute for the flu vaccine.
How long does it take to get rid of the flu with Capstone?
CAPSTONE-1 showed that baloxavir reduced the duration of flu-like symptoms by about one day, from an average of 80.2 hours to 53.7 hours. Of note, patients who started baloxavir within 24 hours of symptom onset had a greater benefit from the drug compared to those who started later.
When should baloxavir be used in place of oseltamivir?
Given the results of CAPSTONE-1, when should baloxavir be used, and should it be used in place of oseltamivir? Baloxavir is approved for the treatment of influenza in patients 12 and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours.
When was Xofluza approved?
By: Daniel Kuritzkes, MD , Contributor. A new drug for the treatment of influenza was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2018 , just in time for the 2018–19 flu season. Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) works against the two types of influenza virus that cause disease in humans, influenza A and B.
