Tamiflu To Carry Warning On Psychiatric Side Effects

November 15, 2006 – 7:26 pm | posted in Bird Flu / Avian Flu, Flu / SARS, Respiratory / Asthma

Tamiflu, a drug used for treating influenza, including human bird flu infection, is to carry a warning in the USA, after reports of cases of delirium, self-harm, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, mostly among children, were received in Japan. The warning already exists in Japan.

Between August 2005 - July 2006 there were 103 cases of psychiatric side-effects, of which 68 involved children under 17.

Roche Holdings, Switzerland, the makers of Tamiflu, says it will work with regulators to make sure the medication’s labeling is accurate.

It is still not clear whether the side effects are due to the drug, the illness it is supposed to treat (flu), or both.

Tamiflu is seen as part of a worldwide drive to shore up defenses against a possible spread of bird flu infection among humans. Several governments have been increasing their stocks of Tamiflu. The USA has a stock of 16 million doses, and expects to eventually have 50 million. Several US states are also planning to keep stocks.

Tamiflu is widely used in Japan.

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