Tamiflu Storage Requirements
Tamiflu capsules do NOT require refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature, but the oral suspension MUST be refrigerated after reconstitution. 1
Capsule Storage
- Oseltamivir capsules (30 mg, 45 mg, and 75 mg) are stable at controlled room temperature of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) and do not require refrigeration. 2
Oral Suspension Storage - Critical Distinction
The reconstituted oral suspension has strict refrigeration requirements that differ significantly from capsules:
- After reconstitution, the oral suspension must be stored under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and is stable for 17 days. 1
- If refrigeration is not available, the reconstituted suspension can be stored at controlled room temperature of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) for only 10 days. 1
- The bottle must be kept in the outer carton to protect from light during storage. 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
The most frequent storage error is confusing capsule and suspension requirements. Patients receiving capsules may unnecessarily refrigerate them (which doesn't harm them but is unnecessary), while patients receiving suspension may fail to refrigerate it (which significantly shortens shelf life from 17 days to 10 days). Always clarify which formulation the patient is receiving and provide specific storage instructions accordingly. 1
Compounded Suspension Storage
When pharmacies compound oseltamivir suspension from capsules (when commercial suspension is unavailable):
- Compounded suspensions in Cherry Syrup are stable for 35 days under refrigeration (5°C) but only 5 days at room temperature (25°C). 3
- Compounded suspensions in Ora-Sweet SF are stable for 35 days at either refrigeration (5°C) or room temperature (25°C). 3
- Compounded suspensions in SyrSpend SF vehicles maintain stability for at least 30 days when refrigerated and protected from light. 4
The choice of compounding vehicle matters significantly for room temperature stability, with Ora-Sweet SF offering the most flexibility for patients without reliable refrigeration access. 3