Millions of Dollars Wasted on New Drug-Tamiflu?

According to the latest research, the well-known flu medicine, Tamiflu, has been determined to be ineffective in helping with the treatment of symptoms and ailments assorted with the flu itself. However, researchers are also determined to retrieve additional information regarding the governments who are currently stocking Tamiflu and racking up billions of dollars on the drug that is ineffective and simply keeping it in a stockpile for future use.A recent study that revealed trial data on the drug Tamiflu, states that although the medicine has the capability of shortening some of the symptoms associated with the flu bug itself, there is no concrete and solid evidence that the drug itself helps to reduce the number of hospital admissions that are due to the flu once it has been contracted. Additionally, there is also no evidence that Tamiflu has the ability to lessen any complications that may arise from having the flu. The most conclusive study that has yet to be done on Tamiflu itself has shown that the medicine has the capability of reducing some of the patient’s flu symptoms by just one day to one day and a half.One of the lead investigators handling evidence-based medicine and treatments out of Britain’s Oxford University, Car Heneghan was quoted saying, “There is no credible way these drugs could prevent a pandemic.” Most of the review that has been conducted on Tamiflu itself has found that medications had little to no beneficial effects in terms of treating the flu and influenza virus. However, the review did find that there are many adverse side effects with Tamiflu that are often overlooked, even in the healthiest patients who develop symptoms.

“We firmly stand by the quality and integrity of our data … and subsequent real-world evidence demonstrating that Tamiflu is an effective medicine in the treatment and prevention of influenza,” the company stated themselves, entirely dismissing any evidence that the medication itself is in fact beneficial to patients.

According to reports, more than $3 billion of Tamiflu was sold in 2009, mainly contributed to the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus. Since 2009, Tamiflu production and sales have drastically decreased altogether.

The United States alone has spent more than $1.3 billion altogether in purchasing various antivirals and other medications including Tamiflu itself, whereas the the British government is also known to have invested more than $703 million in more than 40 million doses of Tamiflu.

The EMA, also known as the European Medicines Agency, ultimately decided to approve the drug for both production and sale, citing they did not read, review or receive any information and data regarding Tamiflu and its benefits and potential adverse side effects.

Although there is currently not enough evidence to support the claim that taking Tamiflu may contribute to bronchitis, ear infections,s sinusitis, pneumonia or other illnesses and ailments, there has been proven test results that have determined Tamiflu has an increased risk of vomiting and nausea in both children and adults when taken to help with the flu or influenza bug. According to recent studies, adverse side effects of nausea and vomiting with Tamiflu occur with approximately 4 percent in adults and 5 percent in children.

Researchers are now urging medical doctors and specialists for a thorough investigation into Tamiflu and its market, as well as its benefits versus potential adverse side effects that may ultimately be irreversible.