Possible Tamiflu deaths
Drug used to deal with symptoms of flu may be connected to deaths of 12 children, Japanese officials say
BY JAMIE TALAN
STAFF WRITER
http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hs4516956nov18,0,4098749.story?coll=ny-health-headlinesNovember 18, 2005
Japanese health officials have reported a dozen pediatric deaths that may be linked to Tamiflu, which is used to reduce symptoms of influenza and its duration.
The drug has been available for children older than 1 since 2000 and no deaths have been reported here. The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in adults in 1999. More than 31.5 million people worldwide have taken the medicine, which is usually given twice a day for five days. Studies show it lessens time spent sick by about 1.5 days.
Today, as part of a scheduled session at the Food and Drug Administration, the makers of Tamiflu - Hoffman-La Roche - will address the data that has been collected on its use in young people. The reporting of the child deaths in Japan will also be discussed, as will other nonfatal adverse events.
Dr. Joseph H. Hoffman, head of the pharmaceutical development, virology and transplantation group at Hoffman-La Roche, is expected to deliver the results and to say, according to company spokesman Al Wasilewski, that the company does not believe "that any of these fatalities are associated with Tamiflu."