The Philippines Should Be Prepositioning Its Limited Stocks of Tamiflu and Teaching People How to Use It as H1N1 Virus Nears the Country

3 May 2009

There is absolutely no doubt by now that, absent a vaccine which is still being developed, Tamiflu is the antiviral drug of choice to mitigate the effects of the raging swine flu H1N1 virus that is at near-pandemic level.  

Here in the Philippines, the H1N1 virus is just next door at our neighbors Hongkong and South Korea. If it hasn't been done yet, I believe DOH Secretary Duque should now order the prepositioning of our limited stocks of Tamiflu in strategic centers across the country if we are to get the highest possible amount of usefulness out of our antiviral stockpile. 

Roche, the maker of Tamiflu, in answer to the question "How should I take Tamiflu"" supplies this answer thru its Patient Information leaflet: "It is important that you begin your treatment with TAMIFLU as soon as possible from the first appearance of your flu symptoms or soon after you are exposed to the flu."

IMPORTANT:  Roche says that:  If you have any questions about TAMIFLU, ask your healthcare professional. Only your healthcare professional can determine if TAMIFLU is right for you.

It only means that if you develop a fever and you suspect it to be swine-flu-related that you should immediately contact your doctor or have yourself checked up in a hospital.  "Do not self-medicate!"  That is the DOH's advice.

However, I believe that the DOH, by now, should be coming up with a detailed advisory of its own regarding the correct use of Tamiflu or any antiviral drugs that it will eventually use in the battle against the swine flu virus. There won't be much time to give people that information when the Philippines is already confronted by the H1N1 virus.  

You'll find the Tamiflu Patient Information leaflet from Roche below:

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