Flu Flu Treatment

Tamiflu Linked to Self-Injury, Delirium

(HealthCentersOnline) - Reports of self-injury and delirium associated with the use of Tamiflu has prompted the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to require new warning be inserted in the prescribing and patient information.

Tamiflu, produced by Roche Laboratories, is an antiviral drug used in the treatment of uncomplicated flu symptoms for no more than 2 days, and the prevention of influenza in patients 1 year and older.

There have been reports of self-injury and delirium in patients with influenza who used Tamiflu. Most of these reports are from Japan and occurred primarily among pediatric patients. Because of these reports, the revised patient information includes the following warning:

"People with the flu, particularly children, may be at an increased risk of self-injury and confusion shortly after taking TAMIFLU and should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior. A healthcare professional should be contacted immediately if the patient taking TAMIFLU shows any signs of unusual behavior."

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