Tamiflu is a brand-name prescription drug developed and marketed by the pharmaceutical company, Roche. The active ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir phosphate, an anti-viral approved by the FDA in 1999. RxList.com notes that oseltamivir is only effective at slowing down the spread of influenza A and B in the host and within 48 hours of the initial symptoms. Tamiflu is not meant to be taken preventatively, as lack of effectiveness does not outweigh the risks.
Risks for Children Based on Studies
DailyMed notes that clinical controlled studies were done on children ages 1 through 12. The most common adverse side effects from taking Tamiflu products were vomiting, abdominal pain, nose bleeds, ear pain and conjunctivitis. Drugs.com adds that diarrhea can be another common minor side effect, although severe allergic reactions, abnormal behavior, confusion, hallucinations and mood or mental changes are possible risks associated with Tamiflu. Tamiflu has not been tested on children younger than 1 and safety has not been established; therefore, it is not recommended for this population.
Risks for Adults Based on Studies
DailyMed notes that clinical controlled studies were also done on persons aged 13 years and older. The most common adverse side effects from taking Tamiflu products were nausea, vomiting, bronchitis, insomnia, vertigo, aches and pains, runny nose, dyspepsia and upper respiratory tract infections. "Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs" cites that additional rare adverse events from taking Tamiflu as an adult include angina pain, anemia, colitis, bone fracture, pneumonia, high fevers and tonsillar abscess. Tamiflu's effect on pregnancy is classified category C, which means insufficient human data upon which to base an evaluation of risk to either the pregnant woman or the fetus. Therefore, Tamiflu should not be used during pregnancy.
Patient Reported Risks
According to the "PDR Guide to Drug Interactions, Side Effects, and Indications," negative reactions have been voluntarily reported by patients after the official approval of Tamiflu. These include anaphylactic reactions such as swelling of the face or tongue, skin rash, dermatitis, hives, eczema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hepatitis, heart arrhythmia, gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhagic colitis, seizure, aggravation of diabetes, abnormal behavior, delirium, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, altered level of consciousness, confusion, nightmares and delusions. Of particular concern are neurological and behavioral abnormalities, which have lead to a number of deaths from jumping out windows and running into traffic. According to RxList, Japan has experienced the majority of these fatal events as Tamiflu usage is the highest there.
References
- Drugs.com: Tamiflu-Oseltamivir
- RxList.com: Tamiflu Side Effects and Cautions
- DailyMed: Tamiflu Risks
- "Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs, Fifteenth Edition: The International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions"; Jeffrey Aronson; 2006
- "PDR Guide to Drug Interactions, Side Effects, and Indications"; PDR Staff; 2009
