The side-effect Tamiflu reported on a member of the rapid response team (RRT) in Pune has brought the drug’s safety issues to fore.
“Neuro-psychiatric problems like illusions and suicidal behaviour caused by Tamiflu were reported from Japan but they are seen as very uncommon side-effects. The issue is often debated whether the neuro-psychiatric problems are because of Tamiflu or whether it triggers psychiatric problems in people with an underlying tendency for psychiatric illness,” Dr Randeep Guleria, internal medicine expert at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, said.
Guleria was part of the team that prepared clinical management protocol and infection control guidelines for swine flu.
Tamiflu, generally well tolerated, is known to have gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting. It may also cause bronchitis, insomnia and vertigo. Other side effects such as angina, pseudo membranous colitis and peritonsillar abscess, anaphylaxis and skin rashes are not too common.
In children, the most frequently reported side effect is vomiting. Fatal neuro-psychiatric illness in children and adolescents from Tamiflu is rare. But the drug is known to cause suicidal tendencies.
An expert said it was uncommon but could not be ruled out. In fact, the manufacturers of Tamiflu mention that “people with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at an increased risk of self injury and confusion shortly after taking Tamiflu and should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behaviour. A health care professional should be contacted immediately if a patient taking Tamiflu shows signs of unusual behaviour.”
