Despite promises by the makers of Tamiflu that they would release important data regarding its safety and efficiency this promise has not been fulfilled two years on. As the drug remains the main treatment for influenza in the UK an investigation in the British Medical Journal has questioned the manufacturer and investigated existing data.
In the USA, an independent trial found insufficient evidence that Tamiflu could prevent serious bacterial complications associated with flu which poses questions about the positive effects of the medication. Whilst the manufacturer, Roche, writes that the vaccination is highly effective “…the discrepancies between the conclusions reached by different regulators around the world highlights the absurd situation we find ourselves in...” writes Dr Fiona Godlee, the Editor-in-Chief of the British Medical Journal.
Despite repeated requests, Roche have not released crucial data regarding the success of trials and the way in which the drug works.
The totalhealth website has further information about how the flu infection works and advice for those people who are unsure whether they are suffering from flu and what treatments might be appropriate.
