Xofluza Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Xofluza Tablet (baloxavir marboxil) is a prescription antiviral medicine from the polymerase acidic (PA) endonuclease inhibitor class, used to treat the flu (influenza) in people 12 years of age and older who have had symptoms for no more than 48 hours. Some sources also note it can help prevent flu after exposure and may be used in younger children. It is taken as a single, one-time dose. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.

What is Xofluza Tablet

Xofluza is a prescription antiviral medicine used to treat the flu (influenza) in people 12 years of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 48 hours. Some sources also note it can help prevent flu after exposure and may be used in younger children; always follow your prescriber's instructions.

Xofluza Tablet uses

• Treats acute uncomplicated influenza in patients 12 years of age and older who have had symptoms for no more than 48 hours
• Some sources state it can be used to help prevent the flu after contact with someone who has confirmed flu

Benefits of Xofluza Tablet

• Treats influenza (flu) infection.
• Helps stop flu virus replication.
• May shorten flu symptoms when taken early.
• Helps treat flu in eligible high-risk patients.
• Can help prevent flu after close exposure in eligible people.

How Xofluza Tablet works

Xofluza is changed by the body into its active form, which blocks an enzyme the flu virus needs to copy its genetic material. By stopping this enzyme, the medicine prevents the virus from multiplying.

Xofluza Tablet dosage

Start treatment as soon as possible, within 48 hours of your flu symptoms beginning. It is taken as a single, one-time dose and can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Avoid taking it at the same time as dairy products, calcium-fortified drinks, or supplements/laxatives/antacids containing calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc, since these can make the medicine less effective. Talk with your healthcare provider before getting a live flu vaccine after taking this medicine. Do not share this medicine with other people, even if they have similar symptoms.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablets (20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg)
• Oral suspension packets

Side effects of Xofluza Tablet

Common

• Diarrhea
• Bronchitis (airway swelling)
• Nausea
• Sinusitis (swollen sinuses)
• Headache
• Vomiting (reported in children)
• Common cold-like symptoms (nasopharyngitis)

Serious

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Headache
• Bronchitis
• Common cold symptoms

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine does not treat bacterial infections, which can sometimes occur along with or as a complication of the flu. Your doctor should watch for signs of these and treat them separately if needed.
• Do not take this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to baloxavir marboxil or any of its ingredients.
• This medicine only works against flu viruses and will not help with other types of infections that can look like the flu.
• Taking a live flu vaccine (nasal spray type) after this medicine might not work as well, so talk to your doctor first.
• Pregnancy: It isn't known if Xofluza can harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so they can weigh the risks and benefits.
• Breastfeeding: It isn't known if Xofluza passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• Kidney: The effect of severe kidney problems on this medicine hasn't been studied, though no important differences were seen in people with reasonably normal kidney function.
• Liver: This medicine has not been studied in people with severe liver problems, although no important differences were seen in those with moderate liver impairment.
• Alcohol: There are no known direct interactions between this medicine and alcohol, but drinking alcohol during a flu illness may increase the risk of headache or nausea and may slow your body's ability to fight infection.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Keep the tablets in their original blister package until it is time to take them
• Keep out of the reach of children
• If the medicine is out of date or no longer needed, take it to a pharmacy for safe disposal

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face/throat/mouth, skin rash, hives, blisters, or dizziness.
• Call your doctor if you feel worse, develop new symptoms, or your flu symptoms do not start to improve after taking this medicine.
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Baloxavir
• Zanamivir
• Oseltamivir