Tamiflu

Tamiflu Description

Tamiflu is a prescription medication so you must complete a consultation form before you can make a purchase. Consultations are entirely free and you are under no obligation to make a purchase.

Influenza is caused by a highly contagious virus which affects the respiratory system. The virus is passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. When the virus enters the body it invades cells, where it replicates to form lots of new virus particles.

These new copies of the virus are then released from the cells and move on to infect adjoining cells, where the process is repeated. After a couple of days a sufficient number of cells have been infected so that the patient feels flu symptoms such as headache, fever and general aches and pains, which continue for about a week until the body's immune system kills the virus.

In order to leave one cell and infect another, the influenza virus uses a chemical helper that is found on its surface. This substance is an enzyme called neuraminidase, and without it the newly formed virus particles cannot leave the infected cells.

How Tamiflu Works

Tamiflu works by binding to the neuraminidase on the surface of the virus particles, and stopping it from working. When the neuraminidase helper is blocked in this way it means that newly formed viral particles cannot be released from the infected cells. Tamiflu prevents the flu virus from spreading and infecting other cells.

Tamiflu therefore confines the infection to a smaller area. This makes the symptoms of the infection less severe and also makes it is easier for the body's immune system to kill the virus. Tamiflu has been shown to reduce the duration of the illness by approximately one day, and to reduce the risk of developing flu-related complications, such as chest infections that require antibiotics.

Tamiflu's Effectiveness

Tamiflu has been shown to be effective in treating people with common types of flu. The medication was also seen to be well tolerated with a good safety profile.

Tamiflu is only effective against the influenza virus. Tamiflu will not work against illnesses that are caused by other agents.

At the moment it is not known whether this medicine will be effective at treating or preventing flu if you have a weakened immune system, for example due to HIV infection or treatment with immunosuppressant medicines such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids. It is also not known if Tamiflu will be effective for treating flu in people with chronic heart disease or respiratory disease, or in people with medical conditions that are sufficiently severe or unstable to potentially require admission to hospital.

Avian Bird Flu

Avian Bird Flu is thought to have originated in Asia in wild waterfowl such as ducks. It then moved into poultry, where it evolved and became a threat to humans. The first case of a person dying from Bird Flu was reported in Hong Kong in May 1997.

UN officials warned that the Avian Bird Flu outbreak posed the "gravest possible danger" of becoming a global pandemic; and the World Health Organisation has warned governments they must stockpile vaccines in preparation for a pandemic.

Tamiflu has been selected by the World Health Organisation as its drug of choice to protect against avian bird flu and for use in case of widespread human outbreak.

Warning!

• Tamiflu is not recommended for people with severely decreased kidney function.
• The safety and efficacy of Tamiflu for treating influenza in children under one year of age has not been established. In addition, the safety and efficacy of Tamiflu for preventing influenza in children aged 12 years and under has not been established.
• Tamiflu should not be used as a substitute for being vaccinated against flu. People who are at risk of complications if they contract flu should continue to have a yearly flu-vaccination to prevent the illness. These people include the elderly, people with chronic heart or lung disease, and people with a weakened immune system.
• Tamiflu suspension contains sorbitol and may not be suitable for people with a hereditary intolerance to fructose. Tamiflu capsules do not contain sorbitol.
• If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using Tamiflu and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Side Effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with Tamiflu. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using Tamiflu will experience that or any side effect.

• Rash
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea

For more information about any other possible risks associated with Tamiflu, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.