What Are The Important Safety Issues And Adverse Events?
When Tamiflu was studied in clinical trials as treatment for children with influenza, children taking Tamiflu experienced similar side effects as children not taking Tamiflu. Serious side effects were not identified. The most common side effects observed in both the treatment and prophylaxis trials were nausea and vomiting. In these trials, a small number of children stopped taking their Tamiflu because of nausea and vomiting or other adverse reactions.
In the safety review mandated by the BPCA, a number of adverse event reports were identified associated with the use of Tamiflu in children 16 years of age or younger. These adverse event reports were primarily related to unusual neurologic or psychiatric events such as delirium, hallucinations, confusion, abnormal behavior, convulsions, and encephalitis. These events were reported almost entirely in children from Japan who received Tamiflu according to Japanese treatment guidelines (very similar but not identical to U.S. treatment guidelines). The review identified a total of 12 deaths in pediatric patients since Tamiflu's approval. All of the pediatric deaths were reported in Japanese children. In many of these cases, a relationship to Tamiflu was difficult to assess because of the use of other medications, presence of other medical conditions, and/or lack of adequate detail in the reports.
The review also identified severe skin reactions (like allergic reactions) in some pediatric patients. These events were not all reported in Japanese children and have also been reported in adults. Severe skin reactions in all age groups are currently being reviewed in more detail.
Other Tamiflu Pediatric Adverse Events: Questions and Answers FAQs
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Q:
Why Are Certain Drugs Having Their Safety Reports Presented To The Pediatric Advisory Committee On November 18, 2005?
A: The eight products being reviewed are presently due for a public discussion of their adverse events as required by Section 17 of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children … More -
Q:
What Are The Drugs Being Presented On November 18, 2005?
A: The following drugs, which received their marketing exclusivity at least one year prior to this meeting, will be discussed: Anagrelide (Agrylin) Carboplatin … More -
Q:
Why Is There An In-Depth Presentation On Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)? What Will The Presentation Include?
A: The PAC will hear several presentations on oseltamivir (Tamiflu) including adverse event reports, a literature review, and analysis of the clinical trials data. In … More -
Q:
What Is Tamiflu And What Is It Approved For?
A: Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is an antiviral drug approved for treatment of uncomplicated influenza A and B in patients 1 year of age or older. It is also approved … More -
Q:
Does This Discussion Have Anything To Do With The Pandemic Preparations?
A: The Pediatric Advisory Committee discussion is not directly addressing any issues related to pandemic flu preparations. Indirectly, a better understanding of Tamiflu … More -
Q:
Is Tamiflu Approved For Use In Pediatric Patients?
A: Tamiflu is available in both capsule and liquid formulations. It is approved for treatment of influenza in children over 1 year of age. In the U.S., Tamiflu is dosed … More -
Q:
What Is Useful About Tamiflu In Pediatric Patients? Who Should Use It?
A: When used as directed (twice daily for 5 days) Tamiflu can reduce the duration of influenza symptoms in otherwise healthy children by 1 to 1 ½ days. It also … More -
Q:
Why Are Many Of The Adverse Events Being Reported From Japan?
A: Initially, it was not clear why the neuropsychiatric adverse events and deaths were reported almost entirely in Japanese children. The FDA receives adverse event … More -
Q:
What Are Fdas Next Steps?
A: The evaluation of the pediatric adverse events will be discussed in more detail at the Pediatric Advisory Committee on November 18, 2005; FDA looks forward to comments … More -
Q:
What Should I Do About This Information?
A: If you or your child is receiving Tamflu for the treatment of influenza and you are concerned that you may be experiencing a drugrelated adverse event, you should … More
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