- An independent panel of scientists have concluded Tamiflu and Relenza, two drugs used worldwide to treat swine flu only help reduce the symptoms by half a day, and contrary to their claims do not prevent dangerous complications such as pneumonia and transmission of virus, or reduce admissions to hospitals.
- Companies behind the drug had withheld critical information regarding their ineffectiveness during clinical trials.
- Evidences from trials also confirmed the increased risk of nausea and vomiting along with headaches, psychiatric disturbances and renal events associated with these drugs.
- Many countries including India have spent millions of dollars in stockpiling these 2 drugs to counter a possible swine flu pandemic. In light of this, The British Medical Journal and Cochrane have called on governments and health policy decision makers to review guidance on use of Tamiflu.
Exams Perspective:
- Tamiflu
- Relenza
- Swine flu
- Ethics of Clinical Trials
- Pandemic