Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

Researchers are reportedly saying that antiviral medications Tamiflu and Relenza could help curb the intensity and effects of the swine flu for those who appear to becoming ill, however some doctors are warning that the antiviral drugs should only be taken if prescribed by a physician otherwise other serious conditions may arrise, according to The Standard.

Common side effects of Tamiflu and Relenza include dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea. Other, more serious adverse reactions are rare but can occur, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS. SJS is a rare reaction to medication that begins with rashes on the skin that blister over, causing the skin to peel off in sheets. Blisters also can form on the eyes and mouth, which can lead to ocular problems, dehydration, infection and, in severe cases, death.

In Hong Kong in particular, pharmacists are urging the public not to stock up on the antiviral medications, as they say the Chinese government has plenty of the medicines in stock to combat a pandemic should one arise. The urgings come just six years after the deadly SARS virus struck that nation. About 400 Chinese pharmacies – or 95 percent of the market – have joined a campaign to keep residents’ fears at bay. There have been no swine flu cases reported in Hong Kong to date.

“The pharmacies will advise individuals whether the symptoms they have reflect a cold or something more serious such as flu,” head of Pharmacovigilance Kevin Cheung Kin-man told The Standard. “If the symptoms persist for days, people will be advised to consult a doctor. In the meantime, in the case of colds, pharmacists will be able to recommend appropriate over-the- counter medication.”

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 at 9:15 am and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.