Entries Tagged 'Oseltamivir' ↓

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

I started taking Oseltamivir as a prophylaxis against swine flu from 31st of August. My plan was to stop the drug by 9th of September as recommended in the WHO site. As I was nearing completion of my drug course, I got exposed to another case of H1N1. The story goes like this

Since clear case definition is not possible in case of H1N1, most of the cases are categorized and isolated. Severe fever and respiratory distress in children has to be suspected to be H1N1 even if no clear history of contact with H1N1 is available.

The child to whom I was exposed was a girl, who had no history of contact or travel abroad.But the troat swab taken from the child came out strongly positive. Even though I wore a mask during my discussion with the parents and the child, I was adviced to take Oseltamivir. Since I was already taking Oseltamivir, I had to start day 1 from day 10. So now my course of Oseltamivir is extended up to Sept 19.

Adverse effects

I had mild head ache and gastric irritation on taking Oseltamivir.My headache was relieved on drinking water(psychological). Some clinical trials show that, there is increased chances of depression and self harm. I had mild depression at the start of medicine, which soon disappeared.

[nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache. Rare ADRs include: hepatitis and elevated liver enzymes, rash, allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.Various other ADRs have been reported in postmarketing surveillance including: toxic epidermal necrolysis, cardiac arrhythmia, seizure, confusion, aggravation of diabetes, and haemorrhagic colitis.]