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Uses

What is Xofluza used for?

Xofluza (baloxavir) is commonly used for the treatment of the flu (influenza A and B), but only within the first two days of having flu symptoms. Xofluza is also used for the prevention of flu. The flu, short for influenza, is caused by influenza viruses that infect parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.

Xofluza may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Xofluza work (mechanism of action)?

Xofluza blocks the creation of new flu virus particles, which helps your body’s immune system fight the infection.

How is Xofluza supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Xofluza 

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 40 mg/20 mL (2 mg/mL) for oral suspension
  • 40 mg, 80 mg oral tablets

How should I store Xofluza?

Oral Tablets. Xofluza tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not remove tablets from blister packs until ready to take.

Oral Liquid. After being prepared and mixed by your healthcare provider, Xofluza oral liquid should be stored in the original container at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Xofluza oral liquid must be taken within 10 hours of being mixed. Do not take Xofluza oral suspension if more than 10 hours have passed after being mixed.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Xofluza?

The most common side effects of Xofluza are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Bronchitis
  • Nausea
  • Sinus pressure
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Xofluza that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Xofluza?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Xofluza are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Xofluza may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Xofluza?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Xofluza.

  • Xofluza
  • Baloxavir
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Xofluza.

What should I know about Xofluza before using it?

Do not take Xofluza unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Xofluza with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Xofluza only works against the flu virus. Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse or do not improve. This may be a sign of another type of infection.

Keep Xofluza out of the reach of children.

Taking certain antacids, supplements, or laxatives with Xofluza can make it not work as well. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to take antacids, supplements, and laxatives when taking Xofluza.

If you are taking the oral suspension form of Xofluza, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Xofluza?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Xofluza is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Breathing problems, including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
  • Weak immune system

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Xofluza. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Xofluza may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Xofluza, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Xofluza could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Xofluza passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Xofluza while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Xofluza?

For more information about Xofluza, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.xofluza.com or call them at 877-436-3683.

Interactions

Does Xofluza interact with foods or drinks?

Do not take Xofluza with dairy products or drinks that contain calcium. This may make Xofluza not work as well. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Xofluza, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does Xofluza interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you have recently received or plan to receive a live flu vaccine or are taking any antacids, supplements, or laxatives containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or iron.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Xofluza. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Xofluza?

If you or someone else has used too much Xofluza, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Xofluza?

Xofluza is meant to be taken as a single dose, as soon as possible after flu symptoms begin.