Roche: H1N1 Swine Drug Tamiflu Gluten-free

May 4, 7:33 PMSF Health News ExaminerJefferson Adams

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Roche says its influenza Drug Tamiflu is Gluten-free.
AP Photo/Darryl Dyck, The Canadian Press

In the wake of the swine flu outbreak that has infected hundreds of people in 20 countries and 44 states continents, health officials have seen a rise in both questions about the effectiveness of flu drugs against the H1N1 version of the virus. But what works against the latest flu strain, under what circumstances should people receive treatment, and are the drugs safe for everyone?

As National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Eric Tayag points out, influenza is common throughout the world, and the influenza virus is the world's most widely distributed virus. Throughout the year, the World Health Organization issues regular alerts regarding the kinds of flu virus strains that are striking any given region and makes appropriate vaccines available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website has a page dedicated to antiviral medicines and swine influenza. That website contains the following information:

CDC guidelines currently recommend treatment with antiviral medication
only in patients who test positive for the flu, or positive for a virus strain that cannot be identified as another type of flu. The swine flu virus has responded to both to Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), but resistant to some other antivirals.

For treatment of H1N1/swine flu, or prevent the flu in people one year of age or older who have suffered exposure to the virus, the CDC recommends oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

To treat H1N1/swine flu infection in people 7 years of age and older, or to prevent infection in people 5 years and older, the CDC recommends zanamivir (Relenza®). When contacted, GSK representatives stated that gluten is not one of the active or inactive ingredients in Relenza, but that GSK cannot guarantee that the product is free from potential cross-contamination.

Some people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance have asked about the gluten-free status of the drugs. When contacted, Roche representatives stated that all Roche products, including Tamiflu, are gluten-free.

Please be aware that this information applies only to drugs obtained in the U.S. For drugs obtained internationally, contact the manufacturers directly.

Regarding standard flu shots:
Standard flu shots are not effective against the latest strain of H1N1 influenza, but Dr. Tayag recommends that people continue taking standard flu shots, "since the 'common' flu still has the potential of causing more serious ailments like pneumonia and causing death among the very young, the very old, and in those individuals with compromised immune systems such as diabetics, cancer patients and even people living with HIV/AIDS."

Canadian health officials are recommending limited use of anti-virals in treating H1N1 flu virus, and then only by doctor's recommendation in patients with moderate to severe illness or at high risk of complications from influenza. Health Canada also warns against "generic" versions of drugs sold under the brand names Tamiflu or Relenza. Such generic versions of theses drugs have not been authorized.