Baloxavir Marboxil

Baloxavir marboxil is used to prevent and treat some types of influenza ('flu') in certain circumstances. Baloxavir marboxil is in a class of medications called polymerase acidic endonuclease inhibitors. It works by stopping the spread of the flu virus in the body. Baloxavir marboxil helps to shorten the time that flu symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle or joint aches, tiredness, headache, fever, and chills last. Baloxavir marboxil will not prevent bacterial infections, which may occur as a complication of the flu.

Baloxavir marboxil comes as a tablet, packet to be mixed with water, or a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. Take as a one-time dose with or without food. Take baloxavir marboxil exactly as directed.

Do not take baloxavir marboxil along with dairy products such as milk or yogurt or with calcium-fortified drinks.

If you are taking the suspension from a bottle, gently swirl the suspension well before use to mix the medication evenly; do not shake the bottle(s). Use an oral syringe provided by your pharmacist to measure the correct amount of liquid needed for your dose. Do not take more or less of it other than prescribed by your doctor. Do not mix the suspension with any other liquid or with soft food.

If you are using packets, for each packet prescribed, empty the contents of a single packet in a container and add 15 to 20 mL of room temperature water. Once the baloxavir has fully dispersed in the water, drink immediately. Repeat the process if an additional packet was prescribed. If giving via an enteral tube, flush with tube with 1 mL water before and after.

If you feel worse or develop new symptoms while taking baloxavir marboxil or if your flu symptoms do not start to get better, call your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking baloxavir marboxil,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances.  Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take while taking baloxavir marboxil. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• do not take antacids or laxatives containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium, calcium supplements, iron products, or vitamin or mineral supplements containing calcium, iron, zinc or selenium with baloxavir marboxil.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking baloxavir marboxil, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccines.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Baloxavir marboxil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• nausea

Some side effects with baloxavir marboxil can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat
• hives or itching

Baloxavir marboxil may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

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