Push Dose Pearls: Tamiflu vs Xofluza

About this episode

This episode discusses the comparison between Tamiflu and Xofluza in the context of influenza treatment.

We’re stepping out of our Medicine on the Go series for a rapid-response episode on something hitting all of us hard right now: **influenza**. A lively debate among our colleagues sparked this conversation—especially around a newer flu antiviral, baloxavir (Xofluza). Who’s using it? When does it make sense? How much does it cost patients? And how does it really compare to the longtime staple oseltamivir (Tamiflu)? The questions came fast, the opinions were strong, and we knew it was time to dig in. With flu season in full swing, this episode is all about practical decision-making at the bedside. Back to Basics: How Flu Antivirals Work To help break it all down, we welcome back our trusted ED pharmacist, Haley Burhans . We begin with a quick review of how influenza antivirals have evolved. , approved in 1999, was the first widely used antiviral and works by blocking the neuraminidase enzyme. Over time, concerns about resistance led to the development of newer options. That brings us to baloxavir (Xofluza) , approved in 2018. Xofluza works differently by stopping viral replication earlier in the virus life cycle. While both medications aim to shorten illness and reduce…

People in this episode

Guest: Haley Burhans

Topics covered

• influenza
• antivirals
• Tamiflu
• Xofluza
• emergency medicine
• clinical decision-making

Keywords

• influenza
• Tamiflu
• Xofluza
• antivirals
• emergency medicine
• clinical decision-making
• ED pharmacist

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine

Products: Tamiflu, Xofluza

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