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Referral: Effect Measure On The BMJ Tamiflu Story

 

 

# 4144

 

Two days ago the BMJ published a review by the Cochrane Group of previous studies that looked at the efficacy of Tamiflu in the treatment of seasonal influenza in healthy adults.

 

The bottom line (according to Cochrane) was that Tamiflu was unproven to have much benefit for healthy adults with uncomplicated seasonal flu.

 

Something that, as far as I know, has never been in dispute.


Some aspects of the media (who apparently have difficulty reading for comprehension) have jumped all over this review and are now using it to demonize Tamiflu, Roche, and anyone who prescribes it for pandemic influenza.

 

While there are certainly unanswered questions, and a call for the release of internal data from Roche, the anecdotal evidence gained from years of clinical use is pretty strong that Tamiflu is beneficial for cases of severe influenza.

 

The WHO and the CDC continue to recommend the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) for high risk individuals, or serious cases of influenza, as well they should.  When it comes to antivirals for the novel H1N1 virus, the cupboard is nearly bare. 

 

If there were better drugs, I’m sure we’d use them.  For now, Tamiflu is about as good as it gets.  

 

And even a moderate reduction in symptoms – for someone in serious distress from influenza – could be life saving.

 

Revere at Effect Measure dissects the BMJ study, and comes away less than impressed.   Highly recommended.

 

The Tamiflu doesn't work non-story

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