Tamiflu

Indicated For

Influenza treatment and prophylaxis

About This Medication

# Genentech Access Solutions Patient Guide: How to Get Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) at Low or No Cost Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza (flu) in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 2 days, and it can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in people 1 year and older.[7][5] **Genentech Access Solutions**, offered by **Genentech**, helps **uninsured or underinsured patients** access Tamiflu and other Genentech medicines through support services, including potential free medication via the Genentech Patient Foundation.[1][9] ## About Tamiflu Tamiflu works by inhibiting the neuraminidase enzyme in influenza viruses, which prevents the virus from spreading within the body. It is most effective when started within 48 hours of flu symptom onset, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue. For treatment, the typical course is 5 days for adults and children; for prevention, it's 10 days. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache, which are usually mild. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions or neuropsychiatric events—contact your doctor immediately if these occur. Always inform your doctor of kidney issues, pregnancy, or other conditions, as dosage adjustments may be needed. Tamiflu does not treat bacterial infections or prevent flu complications like pneumonia.[5][7] ## Who Qualifies for Genentech Access Solutions? This program primarily supports **uninsured or underinsured patients** who need help affording Genentech medications like Tamiflu. Eligibility focuses on financial need and lack of adequate insurance coverage rather than strict income thresholds, which are not publicly specified.[1][9] Patients must have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. The Genentech Patient Foundation, part of Access Solutions, provides free medicine to eligible patients based on a review of financial and insurance status. Not all patients qualify—decisions are made case-by-case after form submission.[1][8] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Specific income thresholds are not detailed publicly for Genentech programs, as eligibility emphasizes insurance status and financial hardship over fixed income limits. However, the Genentech Patient Foundation typically assists patients at or below certain federal poverty levels (often 400-500% FPL, varying by household size), though exact figures require application review. Use this table as a general guide based on standard patient assistance practices; contact the program for your situation. | Household Size | Estimated Max Income (400% FPL, 2026) | Notes | |---------------|---------------------------------------|-------| | 1 | $60,240 | Approximate; program confirms | | 2 | $81,760 | Varies by foundation rules | | 3 | $103,280 | Insurance status primary | | 4 | $124,800 | Add ~$21,520 per additional | This is illustrative—submit forms for precise eligibility determination.[1][8] ## Insurance Requirements The program targets **uninsured or underinsured patients**. If you have no insurance or high copays/out-of-pocket costs, you're likely eligible for investigation and potential aid. Genentech Access Solutions can perform a benefits investigation to check coverage, prior authorizations, or specialty pharmacy needs. Medicare patients may qualify if underinsured, but programs often have restrictions—confirm via application. Insured patients with denials can get appeal support, though Genentech doesn't submit appeals.[8][1] Provide insurance details on forms for accurate assessment. ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward and requires coordination with your doctor's office. **Both the Patient Consent Form and Prescriber Foundation Form are required**—no action until both are received.[1][9] 1. **Discuss with Your Doctor**: Share this guide and ask your prescriber to help enroll you. They complete the **Prescriber Foundation Form** (collects treatment and eligibility info).[1] 2. **Complete Patient Consent Form**: Available in English/Spanish. Sign and date it. Options: - **Online**: Use eSubmit at Genentech-Access.com/PatientConsent (no hand-drawn signature needed).[3][9] - **Print & Submit**: Download, complete, then fax to (833) 999-4363 or text photo to (650) 877-1111.[1] 3. **Doctor Submits Prescriber Form**: They can submit online via My Patient Solutions, Quick Enroll, fax, or text.[1][8] 4. **Call for Help**: Contact Genentech Patient Resource Center at **(877) 436-3683** (Mon-Fri, 6am-5pm PT) for guidance or questions.[7] 5. **Wait for Review**: Processed within **5 business days** of receiving both forms. Your doctor's office will be notified of outcome.[1] Video tutorials are available on gene.com for step-by-step help.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery Expect a decision within **5 business days** after both forms arrive. If approved for the Patient Foundation, free medication ships directly to your doctor, pharmacy, or home (details confirmed post-approval). Refills or reauthorization may be needed based on treatment duration—your provider handles this. Delivery method varies; coordinate with Genentech.[1][8] Track status by calling (877) 436-3683. ## Alternatives if Denied If ineligible: - Ask Genentech for appeal resources or denial reasons.[8] - Explore copay cards via Genentech Access Solutions if partially insured. - Check NeedyMeds.org or RxAssist.org for other Tamiflu programs. - Generic oseltamivir is widely available and lower-cost; discuss with your doctor. - State pharmaceutical assistance or 340B clinics may help. - During flu shortages, Genentech has historically drop-shipped Tamiflu.[5] Contact (877) 436-3683 for personalized options. ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available data as of 2026. Eligibility, processes, and availability can change—always verify with Genentech at (877) 436-3683 or gene.com. Not medical advice; consult your doctor for Tamiflu suitability. Genentech makes no guarantees of approval. Report side effects to FDA at 800-FDA-1088 or Genentech at 888-835-2555.[5][7]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026