The
most famous of the new flu drugs is called Relenza of which we've heard
a lot on TV. Relenza, warned the FDA, should be prescribed to asthmatics
with caution as it can cause 'bronchial spasms' (in plain English that
means the patient on Relenza might have a horrendous asthma attack which
would not be welcome on top of the flu).
Four drugs have been approved for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza. Two -- amantadine (Symmetrel, among others) and rimantadine (Flumadine) are used against influenza A viruses, while two more recently approved drugs, zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are active against both influenza A and B strains.
The FDA warns that these drugs in the research studies only showed a MODEST reduction of symptoms. Additionally, the agency reminded that the drugs must be administered during the first 2 days of symptoms to be effective at all (and we know that most folks don't go to the doctor or nurse practitioner until they are flat on their backs - what the FDA says is if you wait until the third day of your flu, forget the flu drugs!)
Additionally, the FDA stated that the flu drugs are NOT effective on complications of the flu (that's the sinusitis, bronchitis or pneumonia you might get after the three days flat on your back) nor are the flu drugs effective in non flu viral infections which can accompany the flu.
These cautions were released in an advisory to health care professionals.
An article from the (AP) stated that the FDA's expert committee had told the agency that the drugs needed to be studied more before they were released on a widespread basis. In the European studies, the drugs, particularly Relenza, were shown to 'slightly' reduce the flu symptoms (i.e. individuals who took Relenza had 1-2 days less of flu symptoms. Also individuals on Relenza showed a 29 percent less chance of developing complications from the flu. Unfortunately for Glaxo Wellcome (who manufactures the drug), the American studies did not yield the same results as the European studies - in the American studies, Relenza had little effect on the flu symptoms and also, did little to prevent complications.
Glaxo Wellcome, the manufacturer of Relenza has product information on their website.
Relenza works, the PDF file tells us, by inhibiting a protein which allows the viruses to multiply. But it seems that the active ingredient in the drug may be somewhat toxic which causes me to wonder what else it inhibits. The side effects listed by the paper give us a clue:
Side effects stated by the manufacturer include: headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, nasal signs and symptoms, bronchitis, cough, sinusitis, ear, nose and throat infections and dizziness.
Rather noteworthy were repeated warnings about 'avoiding skin contact with the medication'.
Additionally, disposal measures for the drug read like the disposal
of hazardous waste and I found the following instruction of how to deal
with a product spill:
"For small quantities associated with normal therapeutic use, collect spillage and transfer to closed waste container for disposal. For large or bulk quantities, collect spillage by carefully wet wiping or HEPA vacuuming and place in a labeled, sealed container for disposal. Wash spill area (floor and contact surfaces) with suitable cleaning solvent, such as soap and water"
All this for a 'possible' reduction of flu symptoms of two days
or less? And how would we notice the reduction of flu symptoms if
we are suffering 'nose, ear and throat infections'?
References:
Reuters Health Service
Glaxo Wellcome
website
Associated Press article
or... Use back arrow on Browser to go back to home page