Swine Flu Treatments: Tamiflu (Oseltamivir), Ralenza (Zanamivir)

by Tina Kells | April 27, 2009 at 08:46 am

35244 views | 52 Recommendations | 12 comments

As news of the A/1H1N Swine Flu pandemic spreads so do the rumours and fear. One persistently reoccurring statement is that existing flu treatments Tamiflu and Ralenza (generic names: Oseltamivir and Zanamivir) are not effective against the newest strain of Swine Flu. These rumours are not true; Tamiflu and Ralenza (Oseltamivir and Zanamivir) are considered to be effective and viable Swine Flue treatments.

See the Symptoms of Swine Flu

CDC: Key Facts about Swine Flu

According to the CDC and WHO websites both Tamiflu and Ralenza (Oseltamivir and Zanamivir) can treat the A/1H1N Swine Flu strain. Both drugs are currently recommended as effective treatment options. What does not currently exist is a vaccine for the A/1H1N Swine Flu strain.

Swine Flu virus A/1H1N is a never before super flu that consists of 3 known swine flu strains, 3 known bird flu strains and a human flu virus. The combination of these strains makes the A/1H1N Swine Flu an unusual, but as of yet still treatable, strain of the flu.

While there is no vaccine that combats these strains, alone or in combination the anti-viral medications Tamiflu and Ralenza (Oseltamivir and Zanamivir) are expected to be fully effective when administered quickly and properly.

If you suspect you or somebody you know may be suffering from this new hybrid strain of Swine Flu seek treatment immediately. The sooner you are given Tamiflu or Ralenza, the better your chances of making a full recovery.

All of theknown US and Canadian cases of the A/1H1N Swine Flu are being treated with either Tamiflu or Ralenza (Oseltamivir or Zanamivir) and it is too soon to declare them ineffective. More will be known as the people currently suffering from the illness in Canada and the US start to recover.

How do Tamiflu and Ralenza (Oseltamivir and Zanamivir) work?

Both Tamiflu and Ralenza were designed to combat human strains of the influenza A and B viruses. They combat the flu by inhibiting the way that the virus spreads in the body. Tamiflu is given orally and Ralenza is administered via an inhaler. Both Tamiflu and Ralenza are approved for use in adults and children over the age of 7.

It is important to note that the side effects of these drugs can be similar to Swine Flu symptoms and this may be to blame for anecdotal reports that the medications have been ineffective treatments. The CDC has no vaccine for A/H1N1 Swine Flu but it has expressed confidence in both Tamiflu and Ralenza.

All About Ralenza (Generic: Zanamivir)

Ralenza acts to bind the virus to its host cell stopping it from spreading to other cells by attaching to the neuraminidase protein in the virus itself. This effectively grounds the virus to its host cell rendering it incapable of spreading. Ralenza is given through a type of inhaler called a "diskhaler"

Read step by step instructions on how to use the Ralenza Diskhaler

See the GlaxoSmithKlineVideo on How to Use Ralenza (This video is available in the following languages using the drop down menu at the top: Chinese, Creole, English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese)

Zanamivir was the first neuraminidase inhibitor commercially developed. It is currently marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under the trade name Relenza. Relenza is the only type of zanamivir...

Both Influenza A and B cause illness, however Influenza A is the more virulent strain. Influenza A is responsible for both the common ‘seasonal flu’ and notable influenza pandemics such as the Spanish flu (1918), while the Influenza virus B does not cause pandemics. Between 1990 to 2000, nine significant outbreaks of influenza A caused many deaths in England and Wales, compared to just four outbreaks of influenza B.

All About Tamiflu (Generic: Oseltamivir)

To be most effective Tamiflu must be administered within the first 48 hours of infection. The effectiveness of Tamiflu greatly diminishes after this point and the longer one goes without treatment the less effective the drug becomes. Tamiflu is only available by prescription or from a hospital.

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is given orally as either a pill or fruit flavoured syrup. The medication has been successful in treating aggressive Bird Flu strains in the past and is currently believed to be a viable option in treating the A/H1N1 Swine Flu strain.

During clinical trials in Vietnam Tamiflu was found to be mildly effective and results were considered to be disappointing. This may be where rumours that Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is not effective against the new Swine Flu hybrid took root.

In the Vietnam clinical trials Tamiflu was administered late after infection, in most cases after the 48 hour period had elapsed, and this is believed to be the reason for lower than anticipated success rates.

The Vietnam clinical trial results only underline the importance of early treatment with Tamiflu. By declaring A/H1N1 Swine Flu a pandemic the CDC allowed medical professionals to start treatment when a patient is suspected to be suffering from the illness eliminating the need to test and verify before treatment.

Oseltamivir is indicated for the treatment and prevention of infections due to influenza A and B virus in people at least one year of age. The usual adult dosage for treatment of influenza is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days, beginning within 2 days of the appearance of symptoms and with decreased doses for children and patients with renal impairment. Oseltamivir may be given as a preventive measure either during a community outbreak or following close contact with an infected individual. Standard prophylactic dosage is 75 mg once daily for patients aged 13 and older, which has been shown to be safe and effective for up to six weeks. The importance of early treatment is that the NA protein inhibition is more effective within the first 48 hours. If the virus has replicated and infected many cells the effectiveness of this medication will be severely diminished, especially over time.[3][4]

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car1edb

at 09:40 on April 27th, 2009

They said today those flu companies are starting work on creating a vaccine for this particular strain. But will take 6mths to get to the shelve. Which is nice.....

Blue Crush

at 11:11 on April 27th, 2009

Thanks, Tina, for doing the research on this. There is a difference between treatment and vaccine.

The National Microbiology Lab, a division of Health Canada, based in Winnipeg is working on the new vaccine and say it'll take at least six months. They're who the Mexican government sent their samples to, a month after they started tracking the increase in cases.

Dr. Frank Plummer, scientific director of the lab, says "this is a brand new virus, not only to humans, but to the world."

He has also said, "We've had influenza pandemics throughout history and scientists have predicted for a long time that we're overdue for one."

I think the premise is that if people are up-to-date on their regular flu shots, and in good health, they can combat it better, just like any flu. Unfortunately, people do die of the flu and influenza every year.

Now, you want to research and dispel the pork rumours? ; >)

Yuliya Talmazan

at 11:42 on April 27th, 2009

Unfortunately, both Relenza and Tamiflu are effective only in the early stages of the flu infection when the virus has not yet reached the required titers to cause full-blown sickness. The way that the influenza virus replicates, it needs an enzyme called neurominidase which cuts off sialic acid receptors on human cells to let the viral particles disassociate and infect neighbouring cells. Both Tamiflu and Relenza are neurominidase inhibitors, meaning they block the sialic acid residues and do not allow the virus to bud off from infected cells, thus limiting its spread inside the body. But as soon as the virus establishes the infection, popping Tamiflu or Relenza will not be as effective any more. Sometimes, the appearance of symptoms is already when both of these anti-virals are no longer effective. In this regard, it is incredibly difficult to treat influenza outbreak victims.

nukegingrich

at 12:26 on April 27th, 2009

Also, you might want to go by the nutrition store and pick up some Sambucol, "a natural formula which contains a potent antiviral compound, AntiVirin, isolated from the black elderberry, and three flavonoids - naturally occurring plant antioxidants."

In a 2006 interview, the developer of Sambucol, Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu said, “Our research has shown that the antiviral effect of Sambucol is not strain-specific. It was effective against all influenza viruses tested,” she said. “If you stop the flu virus at the beginning then you stop it going to the lungs, or from creating the additional complications that are normally the cause of death.”

Tina Kells

at 12:33 on April 27th, 2009

Thanks for this addition! I think herbal remedies can be a great help to any ailment. Hopefully they can help with this as well.

Pythiian1

at 13:21 on April 27th, 2009

Thank you, Tina, for the updates on the course of drug treatments.

I really hope that those who have unilaterally dismissed the course of treatment as "ineffective" or "useless" will read your informative article.

Duong Trung (not verified)

at 03:21 on April 28th, 2009

Thank you Tina,

Apart from the using of drugs, what should I prepare for my whole family in protecting them from the disease? I mean what other supportives like gloves, . . . used.

Evil World News and Weather Network

at 05:00 on April 28th, 2009

Tami-Flu is more of a preventative than a cure. I think it's a disgrace that our government siezed all stocks of Tami-Flu to protect themselves. A shameful disgrace.

politisite

at 18:41 on April 28th, 2009

SC has two 'probable' cases of Swine Flu. 40 more tested. 4o miles NW of Columbia in Newberry, SC

leebee (not verified)

at 05:38 on May 30th, 2009

A co-worker of mine states a week ago she was ill and went to the doctor. The doctor then gave her medication to treat the swine flu (he had ruled out strep throat and tested for swine flu. The results for Swine Flu are to come in one week). This co worker attended work this week.

Is anyone aware of whether or not this sounds safe? -Thanks

Steve Roland (not verified)

at 19:42 on August 4th, 2009

Ihave a head ache, body ache, cough, a heavy chest with shortness of berath.no feaver for 48 hrs Is this h1n1.What should do?

jaydeep (not verified)

at 03:08 on August 10th, 2009

you may not spred viruse but you have to send information abt swine flu to maximum people uas u can.people

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and clean your hands thoroughly afterwards.

If you are sick and have to travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.