Tamiflu Linked to Two Deaths in Japan

Filed in archive Drugs, Vaccines and Therapeutics on November 14, 2005

Several articles in the news today raises links Tamiflu, the single drug relied on to ward off avian flu should it turn into a pandemic, to abnormal behavior leading to two deaths in Japan.

Last Saturday, Japanese papers reported of a 17-year-old high school student jumped in front of a truck in February last year shortly after taking the medicine. Earlier this year, in Februaray, a junior high school student is believed to have fallen from the ninth floor of his apartment building, also following taking Tamiflu.

A spokesman from the Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., the Japanese subsidiary of Roche Holding AG, says:

"We reported these cases to the health ministry as a link between the deaths and the drug could not be ruled out."

He further pointed out that Chugai has included in the literature accompanying the drug a list of side effects such as impaired consciousness, abnormal behavior and hallucinations and has called doctors' attention to the possible side effects.

In single cases, patients under Tamiflu would probably have to be simply be placed under strict medical supervision. But in the event of an outbreak, this is not a feasible solution. A vaccine is still our best bet.

Read the story coverage from Reuters, and MarketWatch.