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Can I take Tamiflu instead of Disprin?

Dr Chandra M Gulhati
Editor, MIMS,
New Delhi

Q: I am a 36 years old man allergic to Disprin and similar medicines; it's fatal for me. Can I use Tamiflu for viral infection? Is it from the same group of Disprin?

A:Tamiflu is not the name of the medicine. It is merely a brand name. The name of the medicine is oseltamivir (also sold under the brand name of Antiflu). It is quite different from ingredients of Disprin, as it is an anti-viral drug, whereas Disprin is a soluble form of Aspirin, an anti-inflammatory pain-killer.