Treatment
Q: What treatment is available for A(H1N1) influenza?
A: Medicines which are effective against normal seasonal flu can also
be used to treat the new A(H1N1) influenza. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and
zanamivir (Relenza®) can be used both as a treatment and a preventive
measure. They can alleviate the symptoms and shorten the duration of the
illness. If more than two days have passed since the onset of symptoms,
treatment is of limited use. However, if patients are showing signs of
serious illness, treatment with Tamiflu will be attempted anyway.
Q: Can pregnant and breastfeeding women take Tamiflu?
A: Many pregnant women have been treated with Tamiflu without any
resulting harm to the foetus. Nor have animal studies shown any harmful
effects on the course of the pregnancy, foetal development or birth. Due to
the increased risk of complications for pregnant women who contract the flu,
we recommend that pregnant women be offered treatment with Tamiflu if it is
suspected that they have caught A(H1N1) influenza.
Pregnant women who have not been vaccinated are recommended to start
preventive treatment with antiviral medication if other members of the same
household (or corresponding close contacts) have caught the disease. Both
Tamiflu® and Relenza® have been assessed and can be used, but Relenza® is
the preferred medication for preventive treatment of pregnant women.
There is no information to indicate any harmful effect on the child if a
breastfeeding mother takes Tamiflu® or Relenza®.
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has concluded that the benefits of giving
Tamiflu® or Relenza® to pregnant and breastfeeding women are greater than
the theoretical uncertainties.
[Publisert: 25.11.2009]
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