Tamiflu maynot prevent Swine flu complications

Oseltamivir(Tamiflu) has been recommended by WHO for the treatment of H1N1 and its complications. Deaths due to Swine flu are on the rise and the pandemic is yet to be brought under control. It is at this juncture that a new study has come out with results questioning the efficacy of the drug in treating the complications of H1N1 flu.

The review was done by BMJ and Channel 4 News in Great Britain.The review found that Oseltamivir has no added benefit in preventing complications of H1N1.No evidence exists that the widely used influenza drug Tamiflu prevents pneumonia or other complications in otherwise healthy patients who come down with the flu.Claims about the effectiveness of the antiviral drug against flu-related complications have influenced governments worldwide to stockpile Tamiflu (oseltamivir) as part of their preparations for a global pandemic, the review authors said.

Based on the data available to them, the authors of the new review concluded they have “no confidence in claims that Tamiflu reduces the risk of complications of influenza in otherwise healthy adults,” and said the drug should not be used in routine control of seasonal flu.

The World Health Organization said Tuesday that data from countries around the world show that when given early, Tamiflu can reduce the severity of swine flu symptoms. Still, the agency recommends the drug be saved for people at risk of complications, such as pregnant women, the elderly, children, and those with chronic health problems, the Associated Press reported.

“This will not change our (Tamiflu) guidelines,” said Charles Penn, a WHO antivirals expert.

Source:Medlineplus