Pork "safe to eat" despite infection Nov 23, 2009
Meanwhile, four patients in North Carolina in the United States tested positive over the weekend for a new H1N1 strain that is resistant to oseltamivir, or Tamiflu, AP reported. Tamiflu is one of two flu medicines being used in the fight against H1N1 and health officials have been watching for signs of the virus mutating, making the drugs ineffective. (Xinhuanet, China)
Swine flu vaccine effective despite mutations: experts Nov 22, 2009
The WHO underlined that there was no evidence of more infections or more deaths as a result, while antivirals used to treat severe flu -- oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) -- are effective on the mutated virus. "Studies show that currently available pandemic vaccines confer protection," it added, as mass vaccine campaigns slowly gain ground in the northern hemisphere. (Yahoo! Asia News)
WHO assesses significance of H1N1 virus mutation in Norway Nov 21, 2009
According to the agency, the virus with this mutation remains sensitive to the antiviral drugs, oseltamivir and zanamivir, and studies show that currently available pandemic vaccines confer protection. In addition, the mutations appear to occur sporadically and spontaneously. (Xinhuanet, China)
WHO says mutation found in H1N1 flu virus in Norway Nov 21, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. This finding suggests that the mutation is not widespread in the country," the UN health agency explained. WHO spokesman Gregory Haertl told AFP that the global health watchdog did not believe "that this has any significant impact for the time being. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Bruce Mandelblit: Scammers Prey on Swine Flu Fears Nov 21, 2009
Not found was oseltamivir, the active ingredient of Tamiflu. For more information, go to FDA.gov.. (Newsmax)
Could Widely Used Rapid Influenza Tests Pose a Dangerous Public Health Risk? Nov 19, 2009
2, 2009) A mutation of the influenza A (H1N1) virus that is resistant to the drug oseltamivir may pose a serious health threat to hospitalized patients who have a weakened immune system, according to a new ... 10, 2009) Influenza A viruses (H1N1 subtype) that are resistant to the drug oseltamivir circulated widely in the US during the 2007-2008 influenza season, with an even higher prevalence of drug resistance. (Science Daily)
AT RISK: H1N1, asthma can be a dire combination in children Nov 18, 2009
After he was moved to a room well after midnight and an H1N1 swab came up positive, he was given Tamiflu (oseltamivir). "These are the children who can benefit from starting Tamiflu right away. It can turn a very nasty disease into one that's tolerable," says Kercsmar, who adds that it works best started within 48 hours, but even within 72 hours can help. (USA Today)
Gangs Making Millions With Fake H1N1 Drugs Nov 17, 2009
Tamiflu, an antiviral marketed by Switzerland's Roche Holding and known generically as oseltamivir, is the frontline drug recommended by the World Health Organization to treat and slow the progression of flu symptoms. GlaxoSmithKline makes another antiviral for flu, known as Relenza. (Fox News)
WHO: H1N1 is now world's dominant flu virus Nov 6, 2009
There have been sporadic instances of resistance to oseltamivir -- the generic name for Tamiflu, one of the main drugs used against influenza -- but such cases are still "isolated and infrequent," he said. "Antivirals are quite useful against these infections," he said. (CNN -- Health)
Key facts about H1N1 Nov 5, 2009
There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir ... At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Thailand's death toll from A/H1N1 desease rises to 184 Nov 4, 2009
The ministry has stockpiled some 12 million tablets of oseltamivir for the possible second round of the A/H1N1 outbreak, Doctor Paijit said. Special Report. (Xinhuanet, China)
Tamiflu-Resistant Swine Flu Passed Person-to-Person in U.S. Oct 31, 2009
So far, almost all strains of H1N1 have responded to both oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and another antiviral, zanamivir (Relenza), while displaying resistance to amantadine, a drug in a different class ... "A small number of cases of oseltamivir-resistant have been seen in the U.S. so far, but these were the first cases reported in otherwise healthy individuals and the first which appeared to have spread from one person to another." ... "This suggests that using oseltamivir to prevent influenza in... (MEDLINEplus)
Triple-combo Drug Shows Promise Against Antiviral-resistant H1N1 Oct 30, 2009
In laboratory testing, the triple combination of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), amantadine (Symmetrel) and ribavirin showed a significant capacity to stop flu-virus growth, says Mark Prichard, Ph. D, who serves on the board of directors of the International Society for Antiviral Research. (Science Daily)
TGen seeks emergency FDA approval of new swine flu test Oct 30, 2009
The new test, developed at TGen's Pathogen Genomics Division (TGen North) in Flagstaff, can not only detect influenza as some tests do now but also can quickly inform doctors about what strain of flu it is and whether or not it may be resistant to oseltamivir (sold under the brand name Tamiflu; Roche), the primary anti-viral drug on the market to treat H1N1. As with other influenza strains, H1N1 flu can be expected to show signs of resistance to oseltamivir, and new treatments will be... (EurekAlert!)
Depressed Pregnant Women Could Be At Higher Risk For Severe Response To Flu Infection Oct 29, 2009
(June 18, 2009) With the H1N1 flu outbreak now elevated to pandemic level, scientists reports that oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are relatively safe drugs for use in pregnant and breast-feeding. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Asthma and H1N1: Here's what to do Oct 29, 2009
Although most of the patients had antivirals in the hospital, they found that those who ended up in the ICU or who died tended to get antiviral drugs (such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine, and rimantadine) later than others. "If you look at the timing of it, you'll see that patients in ICU or who died were not treated within two days," she says. (CNN)
H1N1 fears lead toscramble for Tamiflu Oct 29, 2009
The antiviral medication, also known as oseltamivir, along with another called zanamivir or Relenza, is highly effective, especially when administered within the first 48 hours of developing symptoms. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Health)
Obama declares swine flu a national emergency Oct 25, 2009
HHS has also moved to make available stockpiles of antiviral drugs oseltamivir, made by Roche AG under the brand name Tamiflu, and zanamivir, an inhaled drug made by GlaxoSmithKline under the brand name Relenza. On Friday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for an experimental new drug called peramivir, made by Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Inc and licensed to Shionogi d. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
I have all of these different symptoms. Could it be the flu? Oct 23, 2009
If you are diagnosed with the novel H1N1 flu, your doctor may prescribe an influenza antiviral medication, such as oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). For mild cases of influenza, plenty of rest, liquids and over-the-counter medicines will help ease symptoms. (Lake Wales News, FL)
July 4 Swine Flu Outbreak Shows Pattern of Virus Oct 23, 2009
Many of the cadets were treated with oseltamivir, pills sold by Roche AG under the Tamiflu brand name, but they did not get better any more quickly than untreated cadets. "We did use it in the hope that we would stem the tide of the outbreak but I don't think the Tamiflu was the key player in the outreak resolution," Witkop said. (MEDLINEplus)
H1N1 Pattern Revealed? Oct 21, 2009
Many of the cadets were treated with oseltamivir, the pills sold by Roche AG under the Tamiflu brand name, but they did not get better any more quickly than untreated cadets. "We did use it in the hope that we would stem the tide of the outbreak but I don't think the Tamiflu was the key player in the outbreak resolution," Witkop said. (Fox News -- Business)
New Flu Can Kill Fast, Researchers Agree Oct 20, 2009
The good news is that quick treatment with the antiviral drugs oseltamivir, made by Roche AG under the brand name Tamiflu, and zanamivir, made by GlaxoSmithKline as Relenza, helps a great deal, she said. Usually influenza is a disease of the upper respiratory tract, affecting the nose and throat. (MEDLINEplus)
FDA issues warning about phony flu drugs Oct 17, 2009
The warning comes after the agency recently purchased and analyzed several products represented online as anti-viral medication oseltamivir, known as Tamiflu ... When analyzed, the tablets were found to contain talc and acetaminophen, but none of the active ingredient, oseltamivir ... Those products contained various levels of oseltamivir, but were not approved for use in the United States. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Watchdog warns of bogus swine flu meds... Oct 17, 2009
The FDA raised the warning after some of its investigators purchased and analyzed products represented online as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), one of the anti-viral medicines that has been shown to be effective against A(H1N1) flu ... "The tablets were found to contain talc and acetaminophen (paracetamol), but none of the active ingredient oseltamivir," it said. (The Drudge Report)
WHO identifies groups at highest risk of severe A/H1N1 infection Oct 17, 2009
Findings presented during the meeting add to a growing body of evidence that prompt treatment with the antiviral drugs, oseltamivir or zanamivir, reduces the severity of illness and improves the chances of survival. These findings strengthen previous WHO recommendations for early treatment with these drugs for patients who meet treatment criteria, even in the absence of a positive confirmatory test, the WHO statement said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Breastfeeding and Swine Flu Oct 16, 2009
The antivirals, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are both effective against the swine flu. Recently published studies of both antiviral medications in pregnant and breastfeeding women have shown that the concentration of the drug that crosses into the breast milk is minimal and is considered to be a safe amount for an infant to ingest. (Suite101.com)
FDA warning: Don't buy swine flu drugs online Oct 16, 2009
None of the products received by the were approved for sale in the United States, and they contained various levels of oseltamivir phosphate, the drug in Tamiflu. "Medicines purchased from Web sites operating outside the law put consumers at increased risk due to a higher potential that the products will be counterfeit, impure, contaminated or have too little or too much of the active ingredient," Hamburg said. (CNN)
H1N1 Critical Illness Can Occur Rapidly; Predominantly Affects Young Patients Oct 14, 2009
2, 2009) A mutation of the influenza A (H1N1) virus that is resistant to the drug oseltamivir may pose a serious health threat to hospitalized patients who have a weakened immune system, according to a new. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Critical illness from 2009 H1N1 in Mexico associated with high fatality rate Oct 13, 2009
Most were treated with antibiotics, and 45 patients were treated with anti-influenza drugs known as neuraminidase inhibitors, including oseltamivir and zanamivir. Fifty-four patients required mechanical ventilation. (EurekAlert!)
Vietnam detects 3 cases of drug-resistant swine flu Oct 12, 2009
"The viruses that were isolated when they were admitted were still sensitive (to the drug), but during treatment with oseltamivir, resistance built up," said van Doorn, referring to the generic form of Tamiflu. "So it was not transmission of resistant viruses, but we observed that it developed during treatment of these three patients ... we have no evidence to show that (there was further transmission of resistant viruses)," he told Reuters. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
U.S. reports 443 flu-related deaths in past week Oct 3, 2009
Fortunately, almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are A/H1N1 influenza viruses, according to the CDC experts, who believe that "these viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 A/H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception. Editor: Mu Xuequan Related Stories. (Xinhuanet, China)
U.S. Swine Flu Vaccines to Arrive from Tuesday Oct 3, 2009
But once someone has the flu, the main treatment is the antiviral drug Tamiflu or oseltamivir, made by Roche AG under license from Gilead Sciences Inc.. She said the CDC had ordered 300,000 courses of liquid Tamiflu for children. (MEDLINEplus)
Kruskal: Tips for avoiding H1N1 and seasonal viruses Oct 3, 2009
If your child is in a high-risk group (younger than 5 years old or with a chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes), he or she may be a candidate for an antiviral medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Call your doctor s office to check. (Stoneham Sun, MA)
Tamiflu OK for young babies in pandemic Sep 26, 2009
Roche acquired rights to Tamiflu, or oseltamivir, from Gilead Sciences. Most people who contract pandemic influenza suffer only mild symptoms before recovery without treatment, but children, pregnant women and those with some existing health conditions are vulnerable to a more severe attack or even death. (MSNBC -- Health)
Pregnant Women Need Flu Shots, Organizations Urge Sep 25, 2009
(June 18, 2009) With the H1N1 flu outbreak now elevated to pandemic level, scientists reports that oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are relatively safe drugs for use in pregnant and breast-feeding. (May 12, 2009) The effects of H1N1 swine flu have been investigated in a group of piglets. (Science Daily)
* Vegetarian diet can stave off flu Sep 25, 2009
In September, California-based biotechnology company NexBio reported at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in San Francisco that its new drug Fludase can prevent seasonal influenza from infecting cells in mice, and is also effective against the novel influenza virus and against viruses that are resistant to the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Fludase binds onto cells sialic acid receptors, preventing viruses from getting through the gateway of the cell,... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Made-in-India swine flu shot ready? Sep 18, 2009
India is also going all out to look for alternate sources of shikimic acid -- the most vital ingredient in Tamiflu (oseltamivir) , the anti-viral of choice against H1N1 infection ... "Oseltamivir is now the best drug against H1N1. We can use it for even general influenza in the future so its requirement will always be there. We have therefore asked research institutes to find alternate sources so that they are cheaper than the one being supplied by China," Dr Katoch said. (India Times, India)
Swine Flu May Be Even More Contagious Sep 17, 2009
Meanwhile, in a similar study, Dr. David Chien Lye, of Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore reported that even after treatment with oseltamivir (Tamiflu), patients may still shed virus for several days. Lye and colleagues studied 70 patients treated in the hospital after they showed signs of the pandemic flu. (ABC News)
Retail sale of flu drugs from today Sep 15, 2009
NEW DELHI: The government will allow retail sale of anti-viral drug oseltamivir, prescribed for the treatment of swine flu from Tuesday, said a health ministry official ... Domestic drug firms such as Cipla, Ranbaxy, Strides Arcolab and Hetero have developed generic version of oseltamivir ... The government will allow retail sale of anti-viral drug oseltamivir, prescribed for the treatment of swine flu from Tuesday, said a health ministry official. (India Times)
Roche: Tamiflu Boosts Survival in Avian, Other Flu Sep 15, 2009
- Tamiflu, or oseltamivir, demonstrated significantly improved survival rates in patients with the highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza, known as avian flu, and severe cases of seasonal influenza, according to two new studies presented at the 49th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in San Francisco. Company Web Site: http://www. (SmartMoney)
Tamiflu Saves Lives of Severely Ill Flu Patients Sep 15, 2009
Known generically as oseltamivir, Tamiflu is one of two antiviral drugs that work well against H1N1 swine flu. The study took place in two hospitals in Hong Kong between 2007 and 2008. (MEDLINEplus)
In Vitro Study of Adamas Pharmaceuticals' Triple Combination Antiviral Drug Therapy Shows Activity Against Drug-Resistant Influenza Viruses Sep 14, 2009
Adamas' TCAD therapy consists of a proprietary fixed-dose combination drug product (amantadine and ribavirin), to be administered adjunctively with a neuraminidase inhibitor such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate, Roche). In this study, using a scientifically accepted in vitro infection model, researchers compared amantadine, ribavirin, and oseltamivir alone and in combination against influenza A viruses that are resistant to either oseltamivir or amantadine, including novel A/H1N1 ... "These... (PR Newswire)
Two New Studies Report Increased Survival Rates in Tamiflu(R)-Treated Patients with Avian Flu (H5N1) and Severe Seasonal Flu Sep 14, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that two new observational studies concluded that influenza patients treated with Tamiflu(R) (oseltamivir phosphate) had significantly higher survival rates than untreated patients ... High-Dose Oseltamivir Regimens Well-Tolerated by Healthy Adults (Poster 554) - Sunday, September 13, 2009, 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. PT, Hall B. ... Effect of Oseltamivir on Anticoagulation: A Crossover Study in Patients... (PR Newswire)
Blue Shield of California to Cover H1N1 Flu Vaccine Administration for All Members Sep 10, 2009
Blue Shield of California also provides prescription drug coverage for Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) -- the two anti-viral drugs used to treat flu symptoms. The company has designated both drugs as Tier One prescriptions, which reduces the copayment that members make to get the medication. (PR Newswire)
Four-fifths Of Businesses Foresee Problems Maintaining Operations If H1N1 Flu Outbreak Sep 10, 2009
(June 18, 2009) With the H1N1 flu outbreak now elevated to pandemic level, scientists reports that oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are relatively safe drugs for use in pregnant and breast-feeding. (May 25, 2009) Scientists report an evolutionary analysis of a critical protein produced by the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus. (Science Daily)
Feds update H1N1 antivirals guidelines Sep 9, 2009
It also said "transient neuropsychiatric events" such as self-injury or delirium have been reported among people taking the drug and that the Food and Drug Administration "advises that persons receiving oseltamivir [Tamiflu] be monitored closely for abnormal behavior.". Jefferson, in a telephone interview from his home in Rome, Italy, said the FDA database reported harms, "from trivial all the way down to death," that have been linked to Tamiflu. (CNN -- Health)
Roche: few cases of Tamiflu-resistant swine flu Sep 8, 2009
Tamiflu, whose generic name is oseltamivir, is one of two main antivirals in the arsenal against swine flu as the world awaits the widespread availability of a vaccine against the disease. Reddy told reporters that the low rate of resistance was in line with tests the company has conducted, which indicated that 0. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
What if Cox cant play? Sep 5, 2009
These 2009 H1N1 viruses remain similar to the viruses chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine and remain susceptible to antiviral drugs (oseltamivir and zanamivir) with rare exception. Dawg fan. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
40 children have died of H1N1 flu in USA Sep 4, 2009
At least 12 of the children who died between April and August never received the best available flu treatment, oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu, the study found. In another five cases, CDC officials couldn't determine whether the children got Tamiflu. (USA Today -- News)
Interview with an H1N1 Swine Flu Vi... Sep 4, 2009
Young adults are generally not given antivirals like Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate)which can shorten the duration of the flu and reduce some of the symptoms. I wore a furgical face mask and slept until my Mom could get off work and get me, says Garret. (Suite101.com)
Lovitt: Nothing to sneeze at Sep 2, 2009
Prevention: CDC has approved two prescription drugs, oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) and zanamivir (brand name Relenza), for both the prevention and treatment of H1N1. They expect to have approximately 45 million doses available by mid-October, with up to 160 million by the end of the year. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Govt curbs sale of flu drug Zanamivir Aug 29, 2009
This is being done to bring it on par with the more widely used swine flu drug Oseltamivir, which will be available in the retail market in the next 10-15 days ... The government has given approval for marketing Oseltamivir to six pharmaceutical companies Ranbaxy, Cipla, Natco Pharma, Strides Arcolab, Hetero Drugs and Roche India said Dr Surinder Singh, Drug Controller General of India ... Mr Singh added that globally seven patients, who have developed resistance to Oseltamivir, have... (India Times)
* Injudicious Tamiflu use can promote resistance Aug 29, 2009
THE Department of Health recently reported the case of a patient who was severely ill with a new strain of A(H1N1) influenza (swine flu) and died despite being promptly treated with the antiviral drug oseltamivir, which is sold under the trade name Tamiflu ... For severely ill patients and those whose condition begins to deteriorate, the WHO recommends treatment with oseltamivir as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours after serious symptoms appear ... Among A(H1N1) patients, treatment... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
WHO: Asia will be short of swine flu vaccine Aug 26, 2009
The H1N1 is largely treatable using oseltamivir but vaccines are recommended as a population-wide method of prevention. "We are going to see at least in Australia and China the start of the production of vaccines. Of course that doesn't make any difference at all to the rest of Asia because I think it is predictable that Australia and China will use their vaccines domestically," Cordingley told Reuters by telephone. (MSNBC -- Health)
Speed up drugs; Needed in weeks... Aug 25, 2009
Tamiflu, a pill known generically as oseltamivir, is made by Roche under license from Gilead Sciences Inc A flu in our lives Aug 23, 2009
Oseltamivir and zanamivir are drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors ... Oseltamivir is taken orally while zanamivir is taken by inhalation ... Although generally well tolerated, the most common side-effects associated with oseltamivir are nausea and vomiting. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
In days to come, an H1N1 explosion? Aug 22, 2009
Another worrying trend has been that WHO has also been notified of 12 cases of oseltamivir resistant virus. These isolates have a mutation that confers resistance to oseltamivir or Tamiflu, the anti-viral of choice globally against H1N1. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Woman battles swine flu Aug 22, 2009
Tamiflu (also known as Oseltamivir) is one of only two anti-viral medications the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have approved for effectively fighting the Pandemic H1N1 virus. Weekes' doctor said that it was most likely that she had contracted the virus while on the airplane and he advised her that a mask should be worn while flying. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
No Central nod needed to validate pvt labs Aug 22, 2009
Azad informed the states that the Centre was procuring additional two crore capsules and 4 lakh bottles of Oseltamivir syrup ... Around 50,000 bottles of Oseltamivir syrup has been gifted by Hetero Drugs ... One lakh Oseltamivir capsules have been supplied to all major metros (to treat 10,000 patients), 10,000 to 35 cities with one million population and 10,000 to each district (to treat 1,000 patients). (India Times, India -- Community News)
569 new A(H1N1) infections Aug 21, 2009
During the Care Campaign, 85 private clinics in the country will sell a box of 10 FluHalt (Oseltamivir Phosphate) capsules manufactured by Ranbaxy Malaysia at RM80, instead of the usual price of RM180. Participating clinics can be identified with the sign Klinik Cegah dan Rawat Influenza A(H1N1) on the door. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Longer Shelf Life OK'd for Swine Flu Drug Aug 19, 2009
To help bridge the gap, Roche has licensed several other producers to make a generic version of the drug oseltamivir, which Roche markets as Tamiflu. In addition, Schmitt said, "we are scaling up production of Tamiflu so we will be able if required beginning next year to produce about 400 million treatments per year.". (CBS News)
FAQ on Prevention and Treatment of ... Aug 16, 2009
CDC recommends two antiviral medicines oseltamivir (tamiflu) or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of the Novel H1N1 Flu. These medications may make the disease milder and prevent serious complications like pneumonia, especially in the high risk group. (Suite101.com)
Bangladesh speeds up measures to tackle A/H1N1 flu Aug 14, 2009
9 million antiviral Oseltamivir capsules as part of its vast preparation ... 4 million Oseltamivir capsules. (Xinhuanet, China)
Makers of Tamiflu version see share prices surge Aug 13, 2009
US-based Gilead Sciences drug Tamiflu (generic name oseltamivir phosphate) is the most widely used medicine to treat swine flu. Swiss company Roche has the marketing license for the drug. (India Times)
Paracetamol, plenty of fluids & rest Aug 13, 2009
So I panicked, muttered darkly about being stuck in a backward country, and got someone in India to send me supplies of Oseltamivir. I called again. (India Times, India)
For Flu, Vaccines Better Than Antiviral Drugs Aug 12, 2009
The research team headed by Dr. Jane Burch found that Tamiflu (oseltamivir), a flu drug made by Swiss-based Roche, and Relenza (zanamivir), made by GlaxoSmithKline, will quash symptoms no more than one day earlier than no drugs at all ... The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) asked Burch, at the University of York, UK, and her team to review 26 scientific studies to determine the effectiveness of zanamivir and oseltamivir as treatments for seasonal flu in adults. (MEDLINEplus)
Costa Rican president down with A (H1N1) Aug 12, 2009
The 69-year-old president and Nobel Peace Prize winner said in a statement that he was quarantined at home and is being treated with the anti-flu medicine oseltamivir. "The pandemic makes no distinctions," Arias said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
All you need to know about swine flu Aug 11, 2009
Yes, use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu. or zanamivir (brand name Relenza. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Tamiflu 'should not be given' to children with flu Aug 11, 2009
Carl Henegan, a doctor at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and co-author of the study, said the current British practice of giving Tamiflu and Relenza -- the brand names for the antivirals oseltamivir and zanamivir -- for mild illness was "an inappropriate strategy.". "The downside of the harms outweigh the one-day reduction in symptomatic benefits," he said. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Drugmakers seek contract for Tamiflu Aug 11, 2009
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) is a drug developed by American company Gilead. In India , Roche has its marketing license but the company also has an agreement with Hetero Drugs to develop and market generic Tamiflu. (India Times)
Tamiflu can have bad side-effects on kids Aug 11, 2009
Consumers in India will soon be able to buy anti-flu drug oseltamivir (marketed as Tamiflu by Swiss company Roche) from retail stores, with the government planning to lift the ban on retail sales ... Consumers in India will soon be able to buy anti-flu drug oseltamivir (marketed as Tamiflu by Swiss company Roche) from retail stores, with the government planning to lift the ban on retail sales. (India Times, India)
Govt likely to lift ban on drug sale Aug 11, 2009
NEW DELHI: Consumers may soon be able to buy anti-flu drug oseltamivir from retail stores across the country ... Oseltamivir is recommended for the treatment and prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses a mix of three strains pig, bird and human ... Sources said sales of oseltamivir will be allowed over next 15 days. (India Times, India -- Intl Business)
Should govt allow over-the-counter sale of swine flu drugs for easy availibility? Aug 11, 2009
NEW DELHI: The swine flu outbreak, classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a public health emergency of international concern may see Indian drug makers pitching in with sale of the anti-viral drug oseltamivir, the medicine to treat swine flu, through private hospitals. With the number of swine flu casualties increasing, the government is now considering to allow sale of oseltamivir through private hospitals and in retail stores, a health ministry official said ... Drug makers... (India Times)
GSK to up output of inhaler drug Aug 7, 2009
With viral resistance to Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) being reported in patients treated for seasonal influenza, H5N1 and in those who have been previously treated with Oseltamivir, talks are on with Indian authorities to administer Relenza to patients showing resistance to Tamiflu ... Industry experts feel that the reason Relenza has a greater resistance barrier to the virus is because it has a different structure to Oseltamivir, which could be the reason why some viral strains remain sensitive to... (India Times)
Understanding swine flu Aug 7, 2009
" According to the WHO, recent reports suggest obesity may be another risk factor for severe H1N1 infection. Pregnant women also seemed to be at higher risk for more severe disease. The more information the WHO accumulates on the disease, the better are their chances of developing an effective vaccine against the H1N1 virus. "Work has also commenced to manufacture a H1N1 vaccine which should be available overseas around September," says Vincent. South Africans affected by the disease with severe... (iAfrica.com)
Is the government taking the threat from swine flu seriously? Aug 6, 2009
In May, Hyderabad-based Hetero Drugs had bagged the government's entire order to supply Oseltamivir, the generic version of Roche's anti-flu drug Tamiflu, used world-wide to treat swine flu ... Drug makers manufacturing or importing Oseltamivir are allowed to either sell it to government hospitals or directly to the government through a tender. (India Times)
Anti-influenza Drugs -- Relenza And Tamiflu -- Appear Equally Effective At Preventing Flu Symptoms Aug 5, 2009
The four others explored the effectiveness and safety of oseltamivir, marketed by Roche Pharmaceuticals as Tamiflu ... The researchers estimated that about one case of symptomatic influenza would be prevented for every 25 people who received zanamivir or oseltamivir ... In general, the two drugs appeared to be relatively well-tolerated, although there was an increase in the risk of nausea and vomiting in individuals receiving oseltamivir, which was further increased for those receiving... (Science Daily)
Surgical Masks Help Ward Off Flu, Maybe Aug 5, 2009
The CDC-funded study appears in the Aug. 4 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, as does another study finding that the antiviral medications Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) are effective for preventing symptoms of the seasonal flu in healthy adults. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world die each year from the seasonal flu. (MEDLINEplus)
Treatment resistant swine flu detected in US Aug 4, 2009
She was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit and was treated with Oseltamivir, a generic brand of Tamiflu. "Her condition deteriorated again with multi-system involvement and (she) expired on the evening of 03.08.09," the ministry said in a statement. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Study: Face masks seem to protect against flu Aug 4, 2009
A second study in Annals of Internal Medicine found that long-term treatment (more than four weeks) with the antiviral drugs zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) could prevent seasonal flu with symptoms, but did not prevent symptom-free influenza infections. In terms of efficacy, there was no difference between the two drugs, according to the research team from Stanford University School of Medicine. (CNN)
Scientists decoding genomic sequences of H1N1 using isolates from outbreak in Argentina Aug 1, 2009
"While there is no evidence so far to indicate the emergence of resistance to the oseltamivir vaccine, the antiviral drug that blocks the influenza virus from spreading between cells in the body, we are cautious about the findings until we have more sequences," said Gustavo Palacios, PhD. "The changes already noted in comparing the outbreak in Argentina to the U.S. haven't previously been associated with greater virulence.". . (EurekAlert!)
WHO advises H1N1 flu drugs for pregnant women Aug 1, 2009
should be provided with adequate care and treatment immediately," said WHO spokeswoman Aphaluck Bhatiasevi. "Antiviral drug is recommended for treatment of pregnant women," she told journalists. The WHO said in a briefing note that treatment with the antiretroviral drug oseltamivir - branded as Tamiflu commercially - should be administered as soon as possible after symptoms appeared. "As the benefits of oseltamivir are greatest when administered within 48 hours after symptom onset, clinicians... (Channelnewsasia.com)
WHO: Pregnant women priority group for A/H1N1 immunization Aug 1, 2009
"Treatment with the antiviral drug oseltamivir should be administered as soon as possible after symptom onset," it said. "As the benefits of oseltamivir are greatest when administered within 48 hours after symptom onset, clinicians should initiate treatment immediately and not wait for the results of laboratory tests," it added. (Xinhuanet, China)
Swine flu incidence 'is slowing' Jul 31, 2009
The researchers concluded that a "high proportion of school children may experience side-effects of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) medication". Call for clarity. (BBC News -- UK)
Drugs Work Best When Swine Flu Found Early Jul 29, 2009
These include zanamivir, made by GlaxoSmithKline under license from Biota Inc. and sold under the brand name Relenza, and oseltamivir, made by Roche AG under license from Gilead Sciences and sold under the brand name Tamiflu. Both drugs can reduce the risk of death among people at serious risk of flu complications -- the very old, the very young, people with asthma and other chronic diseases and pregnant women. (MEDLINEplus)
Archives: Oseltamivir
