Originally posted by Mexican against NAU
How recommended is TAMIFLU?
At best, Tamiflu is SLIGHTLY effective. In fact, when it was first reviewed by an FDA panel, the panel recommended AGAINST approval, due to it's
lack of efficacy.
However, the FDA reluctantly approved it, citing the fact that it was the first of a new and promising class of antivirals. As a general rule, the
FDA likes to encourage research. If they had chosen NOT to approve it, drug companies would understandably be reluctant to risk a billion dollars
researching other new drugs in this class.
Tamiflu can potentially change a 5-day flu into a 4-day flu, IF it is started within 24-48 hours of the onset of symptoms. After day 2, it is known
to be useless.
The FDA was also persuaded by the argument that in an institutional scenario such as a nursing home, during a flu outbreak, Tamiflu MIGHT save a few
lives if started soon enough. There is no proof of this, however.
Bottom line for Tamiflu: why bother? Don't waste your money.
I'm a pharmacist in my day job.