treatment and prophylaxis of swine flu

In the wake of the recent development and the upgrade of the swine flu to the pandamic status, let us review the medications that is used to treat it.
Will start by the Tamiflu






Treatment of Influenza


TAMIFLU (oseltamivir phosphate) is indicated for:

• The treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection in adults and adolescents (>13 years) who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.
  
  The treatment indication is based on two Phase III clinical studies of naturally occurring influenza in adults in which the predominant infection was influenza A (95%) and a limited number with influenza B (3%) and influenza of unknown type (2%), reflecting the distribution of these strains in the community. The indication is also supported by influenza A and B challenge studies. No data are available to support the safety and efficacy of TAMIFLU in adult patients who commenced treatment after 40 hours of onset of symptoms.
• The treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza in pediatric patients 1 year and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.
  
  The pediatric indication is based on one Phase III clinical study of naturally occurring influenza in pediatric patients aged 1 to 12 years in which 67% of influenza infected patients were infected with influenza A and 33% with influenza B.
  
  TAMIFLU, when taken as recommended for the treatment of influenza, alleviates the symptoms and reduces their duration.

Prevention/Prophylaxis of Influenza


The decision to administer TAMIFLU for prophylaxis to close contacts should be based on the knowledge that influenza is circulating in the area and the index case demonstrates characteristic symptoms of influenza. TAMIFLU is not effective in providing prophylaxis for respiratory infections other than influenza therefore a proper diagnosis of the index case is important.

TAMIFLU is not a substitute for influenza vaccination. Vaccination is the preferred method of prophylactic prevention against influenza.
The use of antivirals for the treatment and prevention of influenza should be determined on the basis of official recommendations taking into consideration variability of epidemiology and the impact of the disease in different geographical areas and patient populations.


TAMIFLU is indicated for:

• The prevention of influenza illness in adults and adolescents 13 years and older following close contact with an infected individual (the index case).
  
  The prevention indication is based on a phase III clinical study programme consisting of 4 Phase III clinical trials.
• The prevention of influenza illness in pediatric patients 1 year and older following close contact with an infected individual (the index case).
  
  This indication is based on a substudy of pediatric patients in a Phase III clinical trial.

Contraindications

• TAMIFLU (oseltamivir phosphate) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the product. For a complete listing, see Dosage Forms, Composition and Packaging.
• Use of TAMIFLU in children under 1 year of age is contraindicated. TAMIFLU may be safely administered only once the blood-brain barrier is fully developed.