FDA Approves Generic Version of Tamiflu Just in Time for Flu Season
The FDA recently approved a generic version of the popular flu treatment Tamiflu. The news comes just in time for the start of flu season.
Tamiflu’s chemical name is oseltamivir phosphate. Natco Pharma created generic versions of the treatment and now offers them in 30mg, 45mg, and 75mg dosages. The formulas are intended for treatment of influenza types A and B in patients 2 weeks and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 48 hours. It can also be used to prevent flu in patients older than 1 year.
The FDA’s approval message was also careful to mention that Tamiflu is not a replacement for the annual flu vaccination. It also won’t prevent bacterial infections that often come with the flu. The FDA also warned that they have not yet determined whether or not Tamiflu is effective in patients who start treatment more than 48 hours after developing flu symptoms, or whether it works in patients with weakened immune systems.
No More Tamiflu Shortages?
Last year’s flu season saw a record number of people buy Tamiflu from their local pharmacies. In fact, many pharmacies across America reported Tamiflu shortages.
The approval of the generic version of Tamiflu is expected to ease these shortages. Customers will have more options at the pharmacy and a greater supply.
The timing of this approval is also important: flu season is scheduled to start around September, so this will give enough time to create generic Tamiflu to be sold across America.
How Does Tamiflu Work?
Tamiflu works by attacking the flu virus at the source. In clinical trials, Tamiflu helped shorten the time adults were sick by 1.3 days (30% faster than normal). It may also prevent the flu in people 1 year and older. After these clinical trials were released, the FDA approved the original Tamiflu for treatment of the flu.
Tamiflu is available by prescription. You can take it in liquid or capsule form.
The generic version of Tamiflu is expected to work in an identical way and provide identical benefits – just like all generic drugs.
Tamiflu is one of the few treatments proven to shorten the length of time you’re sick with the flu. There are over the counter flu drugs available, although these drugs typically only manage symptoms and prevent the spread of the flu – they don’t actually speed up your recovery.
Look out for the generic version of Tamiflu at your local pharmacy this flu season.
