Pros and Cons of Tamiflu – Medicine for Flu

Preventive and Early Antiviral Treatment With Oseltamivir Phosphate

Nov 4, 2009

Learn about Tamiflu, a popular antiviral medication used to prevent and treat seasonal influenza and H1N1 (swine) flu.

Although Tamiflu has been used to help successfully treat and prevent numerous cases of influenza, it is not a panacea for the flu. Healthcare providers must carefully select the best candidates for taking Tamiflu based on many factors. Learn more about the pros and cons of antiviral treatment of the flu with this medication.

Advantages of Tamiflu for Treating or Preventing Flu

Tamiflu, manufactured by Roche Laboratories Inc., is an anti-viral medication, which means that this medication does not simply mask symptoms, but it attacks the virus responsible for the symptoms. According to the Tamiflu website, studies have shown that using Tamiflu to treat influenza early in the course of infection can reduce the duration of flu-like symptoms by 26-30% when compared to a placebo. When used as a preventive measure by people exposed to someone with the flu, studies indicate that the use of Tamiflu was associated with an 82-92% reduction of the transmission of flu.

People who are experiencing symptoms of the flu not only feel very ill with numerous uncomfortable symptoms, but they can be at risk for complications of the flu, including, but not limited to:

People who are at high risk for complications of the flu may particularly benefit from antiviral treatment and are often are considered higher priority for receiving the drug if there is a shortage.

Disadvantages of Tamiflu for Flu Treatment and Prevention

Tamiflu is not considered a first-line defense against the flu – the influenza vaccine is still recommended as a first choice in preventing influenza outbreaks, but people who receive the flu shot are not protected against every possible strain of influenza. According to the Tamiflu website, this anti-viral drug may interact with the intranasal flu vaccine, and a healthcare provider may consider not prescribing this medicine within a certain amount of time of receiving the preventive nasal spray.

Tamiflu has not been studied in several special populations, including, but not limited to:

These special populations may be the very populations that may experience the greatest benefits by preventing an influenza infection or warding off flu symptoms as soon as possible. Those experiencing flu-like symptoms would be wise to seek immediate medical advice if they think they may wish to take Tamiflu. This flu medication is available only by prescription and is only typically ordered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms or to certain close contacts of someone who has been diagnosed with the flu.

One of the biggest disadvantages of Tamiflu is the cost. According to the Tamiflu website on November 4, 2009, the average cost of one course of treatment is $80-90, but retail prices may vary. Some drug plans do not cover Tamiflu or they may place it in the higher tier for drug prices. People who do not have a drug plan may find the cost of Tamiflu to be prohibitive. Although the cost is high, many people find that the quicker reduction in symptoms is worth the money, and Tamiflu availability may be limited in some areas, particularly during peak flu seasons. Some people may still experience continued flu-like symptoms and find themselves also purchasing over-the-counter medications to treat influenza symptoms.

Some of the more common side effects associated with Tamiflu include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, ear infections, headache, cough, and fatigue. People experiencing vomiting may have a difficult time ingesting the full treatment of Tamiflu because it is only available in capsule and liquid form at this time. Cases of possible neurological and behavioral side effects, particularly in children, may be related to Tamiflu. Rare cases of serious anaphylactic allergic reactions and serious skin problems that may be associated with Tamiflu have been reported as well. The Tamiflu website lists a few other side effects that may be related to this antiviral drug.

As with any drug used to treat infections, there is the possibility for misuse of Tamiflu. People who do not finish treatment without a clear indication to do so and those who attempt to redistribute this prescription to others may lead to the development of resistant strains of the flu, causing “superinfections” of the flu strains that are difficult to treat and are similar to MRSA and VRE bacterial infections. Dishonest drug manufacturers may also attempt to sell counterfeit medications marketed as Tamiflu.

Is Tamiflu the Best Flu Treatment?

A healthcare provider is the best resource for helping people to decide whether or not Tamiflu’s benefits outweigh the risks for them. Although Tamiflu may provide a significant reduction of flu related symptoms and complications in many people, it is limited in when and to whom it is prescribed. Further research and lower prices for Tamiflu may make this early and preventive treatment more appealing in the future.

Readers are welcome to share their own experiences with Tamiflu in the comment section below and may also wish to read the following articles:

Washing Hands Saves Lives details how handwashing can prevent many infections and provides useful information such as what parts of the hands are often missed with washing

The copyright of the article Pros and Cons of Tamiflu – Medicine for Flu in Seniors' Health/Medicare is owned by Katrena Wells. Permission to republish Pros and Cons of Tamiflu – Medicine for Flu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.