TamiFlu & Relenza

If you're healthy, Tamiflu probably won't help you - Julia Belluz

TamiFlu & Relenza
TamiFlu & Relenza

image by: Tony Hisgett

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If you're healthy, Tamiflu probably won't help you

I had been reporting on the Tamiflu controversy for several years when the question of whether to take the drug became personal.

For those who haven’t been nerding out on this fascinating scientific saga, the short summary is this: Tamiflu, a pill, is one of two first-line drugs approved to both prevent and treat influenza. (The other is an inhaler, Relenza.) About a decade ago, these flu medicines came under attack, as researchers began to dig into the evidence behind them and reveal holes, inconsistencies, and missing data. The antivirals, they argued, didn’t seem to be as effective as health officials around the world (and the manufacturers)…

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 If you're healthy, Tamiflu probably won't help you

For those who haven’t been nerding out on this fascinating scientific saga, the short summary is this: Tamiflu, a pill, is one of two first-line drugs approved to both prevent and treat influenza. (The other is an inhaler, Relenza.) About a decade ago, these flu medicines came under attack, as researchers began to dig into the evidence behind them and reveal holes, inconsistencies, and missing data. The antivirals, they argued, didn’t seem to be as effective as health officials around the world (and the manufacturers) had claimed, and Tamiflu became the poster-child for the open data movement in medicine.

TamiFlu (Oseltamivir)

f you're experiencing fever, aches, chills and tiredness, you may have the flu. Don't wait for things to get worse. Ask your doctor about Tamiflu.

Relenza

Patients with influenza, particularly pediatric patients, may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior early in their illness. Monitor for signs of abnormal behavior.

MedlinePlus

You should know that people, especially children and teenagers, who have the flu may become confused, agitated, or anxious, and may behave strangely, have seizures or hallucinate (see things or hear voices that do not exist), or harm or kill themselves. You or your child may develop these symptoms whether or not you or your child uses oseltamivir, and the symptoms may begin shortly after starting treatment if you do use the medication.

Patient

Oseltamivir treats influenza (flu) by preventing the viruses causing the infection from spreading once they are inside your body. This reduces the symptoms of the influenza infection. It also reduces the risk of other problems which can sometimes occur alongside flu, such as pneumonia. It is most effective when it is started within an hour or two of the first symptoms of infection, but it can still be effective after this time, as long as it is started within 48 hours.

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