There are experts who believe higher doses of the drug Tamiflu can help in stronger cases of the flu. However, new research says taking more of the drug does not increase the chance of a cure, according to Reuters.
Researchers analyzed the suggestions by experts in a randomized clinical trial. This is the first time a trial like this was done to research the Tamiflu advice health professionals had given.
The results from the trial could aid health officials in determining how many drugs—and which drugs—to keep in case of a flu pandemic.
"Our findings do not support routine use of double doses to treat severe flu infections, which could help to conserve drug stock in the event of a pandemic," explained Director Jeremy Farrar, of the South East Asia Infectious Disease Clinical Research Network.
Following the “bird flu”—officially known as H7N9—outbreak in China health officials around the world are keeping closer watch of the situation just in case they have to fight a pandemic.
Currently, health experts in China and other parts of the world have determined the bird flu is not spreading inter-personally. However, 36 individuals have died from the disease. Health authorities are fearful H7N9 may quickly grow to resist Tamiflu.
Earlier trials have determined oseltamivir, the generic name for Tamiflu, was an aid in both pandemic and seasonal flu. The drug made by Roche, has been known to quicken the recovery process and give patients, who are put in the hospital by the flu, a greater chance at getting through the virus.
The study was done from April 2007 to February 2010 using 326 patients in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam. Each patient had a strong case of the flu. To test the suggestions by health experts concerning the double doses, each patient was instructed to take either a regular or double dose of Tamiflu for five days. Researchers found no significant difference in results between the two doses.
The study was published in the British Medical Journal. It was also sponsored by the Singapore National Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust, U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
