The Roche representative office in Vietnam has reported that they cannot yet confirm the cause of the deaths of two Japanese teenagers who had taken Tamiflu. Roche will continue to monitor the safety of this medication and is prepared to provide information regarding any cases of serious adverse reactions.
The two boys, who had taken the antiviral medication Tamiflu, exhibited unusual behaviors that led to their deaths: one ran in front of a moving truck in February of last year, and the other jumped from the ninth floor in February of this year.
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Amantadine |
In explaining these cases, Roche stated that in the first death, the patient was initially prescribed amantadine (an antiviral medication used to treat influenza that has central nervous system side effects), and then later took oseltamivir (Tamiflu). In the second case, the patient was given oseltamivir from the start. However, there is currently not enough data to determine whether these incidents were suicides. The cause of death has been reported as hemorrhagic shock combined with trauma from falling from a building.
The manufacturer of Tamiflu has indicated that the information leaflet for this medication in Japan notes several side effects such as decreased consciousness, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, and other neurological and psychological symptoms. However, in some cases, these manifestations may not be due to the medication. “Information regarding the two aforementioned cases has also been shared with officials worldwide. They have reviewed the information and decided not to include neurological and psychological effects in the guidelines,” Roche stated. The company also affirmed that Tamiflu has demonstrated safety in clinical trials and in actual use. Nevertheless, Roche will continue to monitor the safety of the medication through established reporting systems and is ready to provide any cases of serious adverse reactions to relevant officials for their assessment.
According to Roche, the neurological and psychological incidents observed in the two Japanese teenagers could also be complications of influenza, related to high fever symptoms.
On the side of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, Deputy Minister Trinh Quan Huan stated that since the information regarding Tamiflu’s alleged connection to the deaths of the two Japanese teenagers is unofficial, the Ministry cannot yet provide any comments. The number of patients using Tamiflu in Vietnam is not sufficient to draw conclusions; however, no cases exhibiting similar symptoms have been reported. The leader of the Tropical Diseases Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, which treats many patients infected with H5N1 in the southern region, also affirmed that all patients infected or suspected of being infected with H5N1 treated here have not exhibited any adverse reactions, not even dizziness or nausea…
Currently, the medical community in Vietnam and worldwide still considers Tamiflu the most effective drug against the H1N1 virus. The Ministry of Health continues to implement projects for stockpiling and preparing the production of this medication. When outbreaks occur, the drug will be provided free of charge to patients and those at high risk. The Drug Administration has urged the public not to self-purchase Tamiflu for stockpiling, as improper use can lead to drug resistance.
Reporter Team
