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For nearly two years the antiviral drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir) has been indirectly linked, solely through anecdotal reports, to aberrant behavior in teenagers and children.
In Japan, where the drug is used widely for seasonal influenza, there have been scattered reports of delirium, and even suicidal behavior, among teenagers while taking Tamiflu.
Today, after a year of study, a Japanese government backed research group has announced that they have found no evidence that the flu drug was the cause of this behavior.
Japan finds no Tamiflu link to abnormal behavior
Fri Jul 11, 2008 6:19am BST
TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese government-backed research group has found no evidence that flu drug Tamiflu causes abnormal behavior in young people, a health ministry official said on Friday.
The study, which could lead to the lifting of warnings in Japan on the prescription of the drug to those between the ages of 10 and 19, was carried out in response to incidents that came to light last year in which young people jumped from buildings while taking Tamiflu.
The drug is distributed in Japan, a heavy user of Tamiflu, by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd through its partnership with developer Roche.
The findings will be presented to a drug safety panel at the ministry, which may decide to withdraw warnings against Tamiflu use in young people, which were introduced in March last year, the ministry official said.
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