Tamiflu: News and Research

Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral medication that prevents the influenza virus. It’s generally safe for adults and children over the age of 12. Genentech, Inc. and Roche Labs manufacture and sell Tamiflu. People worried about catching influenza A or B can take this drug to prevent illness.

Technically, Tamiflu is an antiviral medication and prophylaxis drug. It’s a neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) and inhibits the actions of both types of flu. People with the virus can take the drug to help relieve their flu-like symptoms. The medication can also be helpful in the treatment of influenza.

Tamiflu has been popular since the FDA approved it in 1999. But over the years, there have been some concerns about the drug’s side effects. Here, we’ll discuss recent news and research on Tamiflu. We’ll also explain what to do if you become sick after taking this medication.

May 2022: Tamiflu May Help Fight COVID-19

In May 2022, the Annals of Medicine and Surgery published a study by Abolfazl Zendehdel et al. showing that oseltamivir phosphate helped increase recovery time for people with COVID-19. The drug decreased hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients as well.

Dec 2020: Questions About Tamiflu and COVID-19

Early studies suggest that Tamiflu does not help with COVID-19. A study in The BMJ reported that experts compared results from using Tamiflu to treat Swine flu (H1N1 Influenza) with those of COVID-19. The researcher argued that the government was selective in the clinical studies it used to support investment in Tamiflu. The claim was that the only studies supporting the use of this medication for the treatment of COVID-19 were clinical trials conducted by pharmaceutical companies. They claim this creates a conflict of interest, especially with controlled trials.

August 3, 2016: FDA Approves Generic Version of Tamiflu

In August 2016, the FDA approved a generic version of Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate). The FDA also reiterated that this medication is for people with flu symptoms for less than 48 hours. Beyond that, it will not prove beneficial. The FDA also reminded patients that Tamiflu and its generic versions differ from the flu vaccine.

April 2014: Oxford Study Suggests Tamiflu Cannot Prevent Influenza Pandemic

Researchers at Oxford argue that government stockpiles of Tamiflu are senseless as the drug doesn’t help prevent an influenza pandemic. This research was part of the Cochrane collaboration study. The study suggested that if the government was worried about public health, it needed all data regarding the drug. Once this information was available, researchers found that Tamiflu only shortened flu symptoms by about half a day.

November 27, 2007: Stronger Warnings Urged for Tamiflu

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) committee recommended that manufacturer Roche Laboratories, Inc. update Tamiflu labeling to include stronger warnings regarding the risk of psychiatric problems in users of the flu medicine. The FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee made its recommendations after evaluating reports of adverse events associated with prescription influenza medication. These events included delusions, confusion, and self-injury, especially in children and adolescents.

November 13, 2006: Tamiflu Prescribing Information Changed To Reflect Reports of Odd Behavior

Roche Laboratories, Inc. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified healthcare professionals of revisions to Tamiflu’s prescribing information. The changes reflect news reports (mainly from Japan) of self-injury and delirium in patients who took Tamiflu.

What To Do if You’re Sick After Taking Tamiflu

If you took Tamiflu and became ill, contact a product liability attorney. While this drug is popular, there is evidence that it may harm certain patients. Anybody with an infectious disease should seek medical attention before taking any medication. It’s also a good idea to check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to see if there are any risks with taking the drug.

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