Analysis of the safety of using Tamiflu and Relenza in pregnant and breastfeeding women

June 16, 6:27 PMInfectious Disease ExaminerRobert Herriman

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Infectious Disease Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

 

In an upcoming review of data in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the authors determined that the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza are relatively safe for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommend antiviral treatment and prophylaxis with either drug against novel H1N1 influenza for pregnant women, who are considered at high risk for complications from all forms of influenza.

In a nut shell, this is conclusions the authors write in their report:

• If treatment or prophylaxis is required for pregnant women during this pandemic, Tamiflu appears to be the drug of choice because there is more data on its safety in pregnancy.

• The data also suggest that Tamiflu is not a major teratogen for humans.

• Relenza may also be used; however there is less data in pregnant women.

• Both Tamiflu and Relenza are considered to be compatible with breastfeeding.