A/H1N1 flu continues to spread in Asia-Pacific as China confirms first case on mainland May 12, 2009
Thailand's Health Ministry also said it will propose to the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday a plan to purchase materials to additionally produce 2 million pills of the antiviral Oseltamivir, amid the rising A/H1N1 flu outbreak outside the country. In what may be a good sign, the Singaporean health authorities on Monday lowered its alert level for influenza A/H1N1 from "orange," next to the highest "red," to "yellow.". (Xinhuanet, China)
Congo-Brazzaville: Boost for Flu Preparedness May 12, 2009
According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) country representative, Mamadou Ball, the ROC has supplies of the anti-viral Tamiflu (oseltamivir) being used to treat the disease. WHO has also accredited at least 15 African laboratories to carry out flu testing. (allAfrica.com)
Seven passengers from a flu-infected flight were put under quarantine in China on Saturday, the Chinese Health Ministry said.• China alters treatment plan of A/H1N1 influenza May 10, 2009
Confirmed carriers will be treated with oseltamivir, an inhibitor that proved effective in initial medical tests in containing the virus, it says. The notice says the authorities will closely monitor the development of virus treatment and revise the plan when it deems "necessary". (Xinhuanet, China)
Drug Resistance: New Swine Flu Concern May 7, 2009
H1N1 is susceptible to two antivirals, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), which are helpful if taken within several days of having symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. In the week after the USA had its first cases, new antiviral prescriptions at retail pharmacies were 19 times higher than in the previous week, health care information company SDI said Tuesday. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
New swine flu concern going forward: Drug resistance May 6, 2009
H1N1 is susceptible to two antivirals, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), which are helpful if taken within several days of having symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. U.S.: 1st AMERICAN DEATH: SCIENTISTS: INTERACTIVE MAPS. (USA Today)
Flu fears subside, butnext wave looms May 5, 2009
Before this new strain of swine flu emerged, the dominant strain of H1N1 influenza was almost entirely resistant to oseltamivir, or Tamiflu. So far, the new strain is susceptible to Tamiflu and to zanamivir, or Relenza. (MSNBC -- Health)
Ravalli County HEAT Team to discuss swine flu May 5, 2009
The CDC recommends the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir or zanamivir to treat and/or prevent swine influenza viruses. A portion of Montana s allotment of antiviral medication and personal protective equipment from the national stockpile - or enough to handle 25,000 victims - is being moved to storage within the state in the next week. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Swine Flu: A Survivor's Tale May 5, 2009
Doctors soon gave Bonilla an anti-viral drug that is known in Mexico as oseltamivir (and more popularly known as Tamiflu) making his condition rapidly improve. In some ways, the timing of sickness was lucky, he says. (Time.com)
Warning About Swine Flu Scams May 4, 2009
The two antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for treatment and prophylaxis of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus are Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir). Tamiflu and Relenza, in addition to their approved labeling, have Emergency Use Authorizations that describe specific authorized uses during this public health emergency. (W-USA News, DC)
Mexican worker watched as flu victim lost her fight for life May 4, 2009
Although he has not heard the test results, he is being treated with oseltamivir, the generic name for the Tamiflu antivirals that have been deployed against swine flu ... Mr Bonilla improved dramatically when he was given oseltamivir. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
FDA, FTC Warn Public Of Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products May 3, 2009
The two antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for treatment and prophylaxis of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus are Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir) ... 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 ... 2, 2009) A mutation of the influenza A (H1N1) virus that is resistant to the drug oseltamivir may pose a serious health... (Science Daily)
Mexico Begins Shutting down as Flu Fears Spread May 2, 2009
Fukuda said Swiss drugmaker Roche was stepping up production of Tamiflu to deal with the infection at that the WHO had released some of its own stockpiles of the drug -- known generically as oseltamivir and proven effective against the new strain -- to developing countries deemed most at need, including Mexico. The World Bank also announced it was beginning to transfer flu emergency funds to Mexico and Argentina. (MEDLINEplus)
Swine flu cases reach 653 worldwide May 2, 2009
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) are successful in helping treat the virus if taken within several days of having symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The drugs can shorten the length of the disease and its severity. (USA Today)
HIV patients at higher risk from flu, WHO says May 2, 2009
"Patients at higher risk for complications of influenza including those with HIV infection should be among those prioritised for antiviral treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir which shortens illness duration and severity in seasonal influenza," its guidance read. It is best if people infected with the flu strain start to take the antivirals within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, according to the WHO. There are no known problems with taking those drugs alongside the anti-retrovirals that... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Who flu hits hardest difficult to assess May 1, 2009
inhibitors - Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir). stop budding process. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Mexico encouraged by fall in new flu cases May 1, 2009
Fri, 1 May 07:48:59 GMT. (For full coverage of the flu outbreak, click [nFLU]). (AlertNet)
Gilead, Roche ready with swine flu treatments May 1, 2009
Swine influenza A viruses detected in the United States and Mexico appear resistant to two antiviral drugs amantadine and rimantadine but laboratory tests indicate the viruses are sensitive to Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, and Relenza, which is known as zanamivir. The Tamiflu oral antiviral, approved in the U.S. to treat and prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people age one or older, is sold by Ltd., which pays sales-related royalties to Gilead. (East Bay Business Times, CA)
ON BRINK OF PANDEMIC May 1, 2009
Reuters AlertNet - Mexico begins shutting down as flu fears spread. Fri, 1 May 06:02:44 GMT. (AlertNet)
Using a small stockpile of a secondary antiviral drug in a flu pandemic May 1, 2009
Many countries are investing in large stockpiles of a single drug, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) ... Using a mathematical model to represent the global spread of pandemic influenza, an international team of researchers led by Joseph Wu of the University of Hong Kong, and including collaborators in the UK and the US, found that treating as few as only the first 1% of the population in a local epidemic with a secondary drug rather than with oseltamivir, could substantially delay the development of... (EurekAlert!)
Nigeria: Swine Flu - No Reported Case Yet, Says Govt Apr 30, 2009
Ojuolape further stressed that appropriate drugs and supplies such as Oseltamivir, PPEs, disinfectants, face masks and transport media (VTM) have been distributed to all states of the federation and Abuja, while states' health authorities had been advised and strongly encouraged to acquire more in order to beef up and strengthen their level of preparedness. "The Federal Ministry of Health recommends routine precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as washing your hands... (allAfrica.com)
Will swine flu be a boon for Indian generics Apr 30, 2009
Indian generic drug makers Cipla Ltd. and Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. said this week that they could ramp up production of Oseltamivir, the generic version of Tamiflu, if needed ... 5 million doses of Oseltamivir in the next month or so ... Ranbaxy officials said late Tuesday that the company can make Oseltamivir ``at fairly short notice,'' but declined to detail production capacity. (India Times)
South Africa: Country Not Ready for Swine Flu Apr 30, 2009
In the absence of a vaccine for swine flu, antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) have been used to treat the disease. Dr Lucille Blumberg, of the South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases, confirmed on 29 April that two suspected cases of swine flu were being investigated. (allAfrica.com)
REGION: Officials urge calm, normal precautions Apr 30, 2009
Tamiflu is the brand name of the drug Oseltamivir, and Relenza the brand name of Zanamivir. The two are among four influenza antiviral drugs approved for use in the United States, according to the CDC. The other two drugs do not work against swine influenza viruses. (North County Times)
Swine Flu Outbreak Continues To Grow, As Worldwide Pandemic Alert Level Raised To Phase 4 Apr 29, 2009
The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available. (Science Daily)
Local officials keep watchful eye on swine flu Apr 29, 2009
Prescription antiviral medications that can treat or prevent the swine flu are oseltamivir or zanamivir in pill, liquid or inhaler. The medicine keeps flu viruses from reproducing in a person's body, can make the illness milder in people who get the flu and prevent serious flu complications, according to the CDC.. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Global response Apr 29, 2009
The country is able to provide 3,000 treatments with Oseltamivir to 1,500 adults and the same number of children. Health ministers from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama and Dominican Republic will seek to create a "sanitary cordon" in the region. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Swine flu cases reported in North Carolina Apr 29, 2009
Swine flu is treated with the antiviral drugs oseltamivir or zanamivir. Delivery is expected within a week. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
More of this story Apr 29, 2009
The virus is reportedly susceptible to four prescription anti-viral drugs: Amantadine, Rimantadine, Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. CDC acting head Richard Besser reiterated the Obama administration s call for calm and taking precautions against the swine flu (H1N1), which the CDC reports has affected people in California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Tests rule out swine flu on two suspected cases in South Dakota (4948) Apr 29, 2009
Two antiviral medications have been shown effective in the treatment and prevention of the swine flu: oseltamivir and zanamivir. Hollingsworth said the state has stockpiled 80,000 doses of the antiviral drugs, and there are an additional 114,000 doses in a federal stockpile for South Dakota. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Swine Flu: Public Health Emergency Declared, Investigation Continues Apr 28, 2009
Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available. (Science Daily)
Roche scales up production of flu cure Apr 28, 2009
Tamiflu, or oseltamivir, is given as a convenient tablet, and was originally invented by US biotech company Gilead Sciences Inc. Reuters. Most Viewed. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Swine flu threat calls for precaution, preparation Apr 28, 2009
Although there are no antiviral drugs that can prevent the illness, the new strain of swine influenza virus is susceptible to the antiviral medications zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu). It is resistant to the antiviral medications amantadine and rimantadine, though. (USA Today -- Money)
The facts: Swine flu Apr 28, 2009
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends oseltamivir (marketed as Tamiflu) and zanamivir (marketed as Relenza) for treating or preventing infection. These drugs work by preventing the virus from reproducing. (iAfrica.com)
Latest from the CDC Apr 28, 2009
Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available. (Florida Today)
Government moves against swine flu Apr 28, 2009
Drugs for treatment: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of two antiviral drugs, oseltamivir or zanamivir, to treat or prevent infection. No vaccine: There is no vaccine currently available. (Florida Today)
South Dakota officials concerned by swine flu1:36 pm | (No comments posted.) Apr 28, 2009
Federal health officials are recommending the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment of infection with swine influenza viruses. They said the H1N1 viruses are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Swine Flu Could be the News Story of the Decade Apr 28, 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. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Containing Swine Flu outbreak not feasible Apr 28, 2009
CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
DRUG SHORTAGES Apr 28, 2009
Mon, 19:15 27 Apr 2009 GMT. Global antiviral supply to be strained in pandemic. (AlertNet)
Is Swine Flu Really a Major Danger? Apr 28, 2009
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) still work, though they need to be taken early in the course of the illness. Thorough hand washing is extremely effective in prevention the spread of the common cold. (Suite101.com)
Questions and answers about swine flu Apr 28, 2009
A: There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the U.S. 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. (Honolulu Advertiser)
U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency in Response to Swine Flu Apr 28, 2009
The viruses found in the United States are resistant to two antiviral medications -- amantadine and rimantadine -- but are susceptible to the antivirals oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), Schuchat said. Schuchat said steps were already being taken to devise a vaccine against this strain of swine flu, although the process takes time. (MEDLINEplus)
WHO Warns of Possible Pandemic as Mexico Seeks to Contain Swine Flu Apr 28, 2009
The viruses found in the United States are resistant to two antiviral medications -- amantadine and rimantadine -- but are susceptible to the antivirals oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), Schuchat said. Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza. (MEDLINEplus)
Drug and Vaccine Makers on Standby Over Swine Flu Apr 28, 2009
Roche Holding AG's Tamiflu, known generically as oseltamivir, and GlaxoSmithKline Plc's Relenza, or zanamivir, are both recommended drugs for seasonal flu and have been shown to work against viral samples of the new disease. Tamiflu is expected to be in greatest demand should swine flu develop into a pandemic, as experts fear it may, since it is given as a tablet. (MEDLINEplus)
How to protect yourself Apr 28, 2009
"However, we do have anti-virals that work against this swine flu," said Skinner, referring to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). "Someone who has [swine flu], if they are treated early, the anti-flu medicines work against this.". (CNN -- Health)
Compound identified that may fight bird flu Apr 16, 2009
The search for such new "inhibitors" has grown more urgent in recent years as drugs, like oseltamivir, have become largely ineffective against certain flu strains, like the H1N1 seasonal flu virus ... "We have found a compound that is different from oseltamivir but which acts in the same way," said Leo Poon, a microbiologist at the University of Hong Kong ... "An analogy would be like we have a door with a keyhole, but the hole has changed, and the key, in this case oseltamivir, can't lock the... (MSNBC -- Health)
Chemical that can stop flu spread found Apr 16, 2009
The search for such new inhibitors has grown more urgent in recent years as drugs, like oseltamivir, have become largely ineffective against certain flu strains, like the H1N1 seasonal flu virus. Experts now question how well the drug would stand up against H5N1, should it unleash a pandemic. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Flu Strikes a Milder Blow This Season Apr 10, 2009
The drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir), routinely prescribed to people with the flu, is resistant to this year's H1N1 strain, and the H3N2 flu strain is resistant to two other antivirals, rimantadine (Flumadine) and amantadine (Symmetrel). Although 146 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed this season, the number of people who were actually vaccinated is unknown, Fry said. (MEDLINEplus)
FEATURE-Profit drives drug misuse in Asia Apr 6, 2009
The most recent example of growing resistance involves the drug oseltamivir, which researchers in the United States found was now ineffective against 98 percent of the H1N1 seasonal human influenza virus strains. Oseltamivir is known by the brand Tamiflu and manufactured by Roche AG Influenza A Becoming Increasingly Resistant To Drug Oseltamivir Mar 11, 2009
10, 2009) Influenza A viruses (H1N1 subtype) that are resistant to the drug oseltamivir circulated widely in the U.S. during the 2007-2008 influenza season, with an even higher prevalence of drug resistance during the current 2008-2009 influenza season, according to a new study ... During the 2007-2008 influenza season, increased levels of resistance to the influenza drug oseltamivir (marketed as Tamiflu) were detected for the first time in the United States and worldwide ... In addition, early... (Science Daily)
Resistance to flu drug widespread in U.S.: study Mar 4, 2009
But the news is sobering because the pill, known generically as oseltamivir, is one of the few weapons against influenza, which kills an estimated 36,000 people in the United States in an average year ... "As of February 19, 2009, resistance to oseltamivir had been identified among 264 of 268 (98.5 percent) U.S. influenza A(H1N1) viruses tested," the researchers wrote in the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Resistance to Tamiflu Growing Mar 4, 2009
But, always, Fry emphasized, "Our message is to get vaccinated with the influenza vaccine. The current influenza vaccine has three different virus types in it, and the H1 strain that is in the vaccine is the same strain that is resistant to oseltamivir [Tamiflu], so the best prevention is still getting the vaccine.". "We're fortunate in that this is a very mild flu season, and we're not seeing either the numbers of cases or the complications that we normally see in a bad flu season," said Dr.... (MEDLINEplus)
Drug-resistant Influenza A Virus Potentially Serious To High-risk Patients Mar 3, 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 study ... A global emergence and rapid spread of oseltamivir-resistant influenza A(H1N1) viruses carrying a neuraminidase (NA; an enzyme) gene H274Y mutation has been observed since January 2008 ... "However, current widespread circulation of oseltamivir-resistant influenza A(H1N1) viruses... (Science Daily)
Flu strain proves resistant to medication... Mar 3, 2009
A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that the H1N1 subtype of influenza A viruses commonly proved resistant to the popular drug oseltamivir. Oseltamivir, sold commercially in the United States as the drug Tamiflu, is produced by Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche, and is the main antiviral remedy on the market ... Data last year for 99 individuals infected with oseltamivir-resistant influenza found that five of the patients had to be hospitalized, four of whom... (The Drudge Report)
Flu virus increases resistance to Tamiflu Mar 3, 2009
Some 264 of 268 samples of the H1N1 strain taken this flu season were resistant to Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, the agency said today in a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The oral antiviral capsule is sold by Ltd.. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
What You Need to Know About Drug-Resistant Flu Feb 24, 2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in the fall that the most common strain of flu now making the rounds in the U.S. is resistant to oseltamivir, or Tamiflu, the most popular antimicrobial used to treat influenza. But that doesn't mean a pandemic is necessarily on the way. (Time.com)
* A bird flu epidemic in the making Feb 12, 2009
Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that during the past two years, resistance of H1N1 and H5N1 to the drug Oseltamivir X marketed as Tamiflu X has increased sharply, indicating that the H5N1 bird flu virus has mutated and adapted. These scientific data suggest that a nightmare X the outbreak of a new flu strain among humans X will soon be upon us. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
DPH: Influenza on the rise Feb 7, 2009
The CDC recently announced that the predominant strain of influenza circulating nationally (influenza A H1N1) has developed resistance to a widely used antiviral medication, oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Doctors often prescribe antiviral medications to treat the symptoms of people with the flu. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Common Flu Strain Resistant to Popular Antiviral Drug Feb 7, 2009
While the cause of the mutation that made the virus resistant to Tamiflu (oseltamivir) isn't known, experts suspect it was caused by the wide use of Tamiflu in other countries to treat upper respiratory infections. There were reports last year from Europe and other countries that a certain type of flu -- H1N1 -- was resistant to oseltamivir, according to Dr. Joseph Bresee, chief of flu prevention at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ... "What happens frequently is that one type... (MEDLINEplus)
International symposium reports on the use of antivirals in patients with H5N1 Mar 4, 2008
MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 4 /CNW/ - Physicians from countries affected by the deadly H5N1 influenza virus (bird or avian flu) have presented case reports about antiviral use in patients infected with H5N1, including treatment with the oral antiviral TAMIFLU(R) (oseltamivir) ... Susceptibility of circulating H5N1 strains to TAMIFLU These clinical findings are supported by animal data, also presented at ISRVI, which shows that oseltamivir treatment was effective against H5N1 influenza viruses... (Canada Newswire)
Whole new flu vaccine needed next year: WHO Feb 16, 2008
Four antiviral drugs can help treat a case of the flu, but the WHO said H1N1 viruses in 18 countries had developed mutations that made them resist the effects of the best drug, Tamiflu, or oseltamivir, made by Roche AG and Gilead Sciences. Resistance to the older drugs, amantadine and rimantadine, is now so widespread that their use is no longer recommended. (Scientific American)
Drug Resistant Influenza Feb 14, 2008
Made in Switzerland by Roche and referred to medically as oseltamivir, it is an antiviral medication widely used to treat viral flu ... In addition to oseltamivir, three additional drugs are FDA approved for treating the flu. (Suite101.com)
What next for bird flu in Jakarta? Feb 12, 2008
No researcher has found proper vaccines to prevent bird flu, with evidence suggesting the H5N1 virus is resistant to the medication used to treat it -- oseltamivir. European public health specialists have also identified that the H5N1 virus is significantly resistant to the drug Tamiflu, which is the world's most widely purchased influenza medicine. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Flu Kills 2 Children, Is an Outbreak Headed to Your... Feb 12, 2008
7 percent have been found to be resistant to Tamiflu (oseltamivir), an antiviral medication that has been shown to shorten the duration of the flu when taken within two days of infection. Similar percentages of the drug-resistant strain were also found in Europe and Canada. (Fox News)
Pawar tells states to lift curbs on poultry movement Feb 11, 2008
Under the bird flu preparedness plan, the ministry had decided to stockpile 10 lakh capsules of oseltamivir at any given point of time. WHO has, however, stockpiled three million doses of Tamiflu. (Times of India)
Archives: Oseltamivir
