Health@heart
Tamiflu, the anti-flu virus medication
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir), the anti-flu virus medication marketed by Roche Laboratories, has been on center stage lately, with substantial media attention since the scientific community and the World Health Organization put out a warning about the possibility of a bird flu pandemic among humans.
What is Tamiflu?
Tamiflu, which belongs to a new group of anti-viral drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors, is a prescription medication used in the prophylaxis (prevention) or treatment of infection caused by influenza virus A and B. The drug attacks the virus, inhibiting the enzyme that allows viral multiplication, and thus prevents it from spreading. It was developed by Gilead Sciences. The recommended oral dose of Tamiflu is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days, taken within two days of the onset of symptoms.
What is the key ingredient in Tamiflu?
The key ingredient in Tamiflu comes from Asian trees: Chinese star anise, a seed pod resembling a star, which has a distinctive aroma or fragrance, used to flavor foods and liqueurs. This is the Rising Star of today in our fight against the Bird (Avian) Flu.
Who should take Tamiflu?
Children, age one and older and adults who have flu symptoms that started within 48 hours are candidates for Tamiflu. These symptoms may include malaise, fever and chills, stuffy nose and sore throat, muscles aches, headache, fatigue and weakness.
What's the advantage?
In two large clinical trials in and outside the United States, results have shown that those who got Tamiflu improved and felt better 1.3 days (30%) faster than those who did not.
Who are not candidates for Tamiflu?
Those allergic to oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu) or any ingredients of this drug should not take Tamiflu. Those who have kidney disease should not take this drug either. And also those who are pregnant or nursing.
Is flu shot still necessary?
Yes, Tamiflu is not a substitute for the recommended annual flu shot in accordance with the guidelines on immunization practices. The yearly influenza vaccine has saved thousands and thousands of lives, especially among the elderly.
Is Tamiflu safe for children?
According to the manufacturer's guidelines, Tamiflu can be used safely in children one year and older. The drug is not recommended for those younger than one year. The medication is available in oral suspension for children and pills for adults.
What are the side effects of Tamiflu?
This medication is well tolerated, but some side effects may occur, like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pains, headache, cough, insomnia, diarrhea and fatigue. Taking this drug with food lessens the side effects. When side effects occur, it is prudent to consult with the attending physician.
Is Tamiflu also for the Bird Flu?
Scientists report that Tamiflu, which is used for symptoms of seasonal flu, could minimize the effects of the H5N1 strain of the bird flu in humans. When this came out in the press, some people started hoarding Tamiflu because there is scarcity of this medication. One of the reasons is the is limited supply of Chinese Star Anise, and the other is the fact that the manufacture of Tamiflu cannot keep pace with the demand by the US and other governments in the world for their own citizens, in preparation for a possible pandemic of the Bird Flu. Other companies in countries like Taiwan have reported that they are equipped to produce their own versions of Tamiflu. But the major player, Roche Lab "hopes to be able to step up annual production of Tamiflu to 300 million treatments – 10 capsules per treatment – by 2007."
How much does the drug cost?
The wholesale price is $61.28 per 10-capsule pack, which retails between $80-$90. Roche is granting a large discount for humanitarian purposes: $17.50 per pack for developed countries and about $14 for underdeveloped nations, for stockpiling. Even with this "pandemic prices" Roche 2005 sales of Tamiflu through September were $653.2 million – a 208 % increase from $212.2 million in 2004. Roche donated 3 million treatments of Tamiflu to the World Health organization. While Roche has increased its production of Tamiflu tenfold, vaccine manufacturers Chiron Corp of California and Sanofi Pasteur of Pennsylvania are scampering to pursue ways of developing vaccines that will prevent people from getting the bird flu. As new strains of the virus come up, new vaccines that are effective for the particular new strains must be developed as the "older" ones would not longer be effective. This is why there is always a lag time or delay in vaccine development.
(Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com, As always, it is prudent to seek medical consultation with your attending physician before taking or using any medications.)