Tamiflu Information and Warnings
Tamiflu, the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche Holdings’ anti-viral drug, is the only drug of its type currently approved for the U.S. market by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tamiflu is being stockpiled in case the avian influenza (bird flu) mutates into a form that moves easily from one human to another. If such a mutation should take place, an international pandemic is possible. It is believed that Tamiflu would greatly assist in the containment of the flu should it arrive in the U.S. Because of this, the FDA has been hesitant to issue warnings about the drug. But recent reports have forced the FDA to issue a new Tamiflu warning. See Drug Warning: Tamiflu Side Effects and Risks for information about possible Tamiflu risks.
The FDA has received reports of several incidents of deaths from abnormal behavior, including falling from windows and balconies and running into traffic. Patients were also reported to have suffered from hallucinations and delirium. The largest portion of these events—95%—was reported from Japan, and several explanations have been offered for why Japan appears to have so many more reactions to Tamiflu. Tamiflu is used in Japan more heavily that any other country in the world, so a wider use may result in more incidents of Tamiflu side effects. This heavy use is partly due to an increasing rate of brain swelling (or encephalitis) as an influenza symptom in Japan, which is then triggering the increased use of Tamiflu. Some argue that the brain swelling may be the actual cause of the abnormal behavior, and not Tamiflu. Japan’s health ministry also requires stricter reporting of this kind of reaction, which may account for the higher rate of reports. It’s also possible, though not very likely, that people in Japan metabolize the drug differently than people in other countries.
Anyone using Tamiflu should be monitored closely for abnormal behavior. A health care provider should be called right away if unusual behavior occurs. If you or a loved one has been harmed by Tamiflu use, contact a qualified Tamiflu attorney right away to evaluate your case and to preserve your rights. See Tamiflu Attorneys and Lawyers – How to Hire for more information on how to find a Tamiflu lawyer.
Check out the following articles for more information about Tamiflu, filing a Tamiflu lawsuit and finding a Tamiflu attorney.
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