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Tamiflu - Source: Reuters -
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Allowing Tamiflu to be sold direct to people who present at a pharmacy with flu symptoms undermines efforts to contain the illness, pharmacists say.
In the winter months, from Friday until late September, Tamiflu can be bought without prescription, if a pharmacist considers the person is sufficiently ill.
New Zealand is the only country where Tamiflu can be bought over the counter.
A Wellington pharmacist said there are industry concerns the process ran contrary to Ministry of Health advice on pandemic planning.
Under that advice, people who feared they had a serious illness are told to stay at home.
Pharmacists fear there is risk to public health, as an unwell person could spread the illness in their efforts to obtain Tamiflu.
Many of those working in the industry are concerned, she said.
"Every pharmacist I've spoken to says this is ridiculous," she said.
"It seems quite contradictory that we are trying to prevent the spread of the infection, and we have to have face-to-face consultations."
Four influenza A samples from Rangitoto College students who returned from Mexico to Auckland last Saturday were sent to Melbourne, where three tested positive for swine flu.
All those in the group were deemed to have contracted swine flu, which has killed more than 150 people in Mexico.
The Government on Wednesday took steps that make swine flu a notifiable disease, saying 13 cases of the strain have been confirmed in the Auckland area, while there are another 96 suspected cases throughout the country.
Annabel Young, chief executive of the Pharmacy Guild, said on Wednesdat she expects pharmacists will be inundated with
Tamiflu requests given the current concern.
Tamiflu can not be sold for preventative use without a prescription. People who need it for that purpose have to see a doctor.
Manufacturer Roche reiterated Tamiflu is not a vaccine against influenza but an antiviral medicine. It attacks the influenza virus and stops it spreading further.
Keep up to date with the latest news no matter where you are with our dedicated swine flu Twitter feed. - http://twitter.com/SwineFluInNZ PLUS Health correspondent Lorelei Mason will be keeping you in the loop on how she is covering the story as it develops - http://twitter.com/SwineFluNZNews
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentalwyn said on 2009-06-18 @ 14:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
The general flu causes between 200,000 and 250,000 deaths p.a world wide. Swine flu has caused only a fraction of this number in proportion. There is a temporary cure i.e. Tami flu until a vaccine is produced for H1N1 flu. I don't understand what all the fuss is about?
Janey said on 2009-06-16 @ 09:36 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think NZ media and health service has been far too blase about this outbreak. The UK's BBC news website has been reporting symptoms and PREVENTION for weeks and has an excellent outbreak map, which clearly shows quick acceleration of the virus. The UK's health service posted information leaflets to every home WEEKS ago. My husband works in a a business where the workers come into contact with lots tourists - they only just received a booklet on the virus 2 days ago. NZ, get with the programme!
skeptic said on 2009-06-16 @ 07:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Thank you Mark Sainsbury for telling us the symptoms, and debunking the mythology. Many of us did not even know that we probably have the swine flu which is probably now widespread in our community. It was clear from the outset that authorities were not taking the drastic steps necessary to contain an epidemic. Since they have created an elaborate ritual to prove that they have done everything possible ... Thank God this was not a SERIOUS pandemic.
FightFlu said on 2009-05-04 @ 23:41 NZDT: Report abusive post
I absolutely agree Tis, this particular virus could have been a lot worse. Due to information technology these days we have highly accessible and up to date information to keep us informed, and with knowledge is power. As long as the people remain calm, and keep informed we should be able to keep the Swine Flu at a safe distance.
Tis said on 2009-05-02 @ 11:33 NZDT: Report abusive post
This scare could perhaps prepare us well for a more severe future pandemic - e.g. Ok, so all the focus is on Tamiflu - but what about ensuring enough antibiotics to treat secondary infections from a new influenca - and do we have enough of those machines in hospitals to help people breath when they are in acute respiratory distress - lets hope so!