Flu, HCV and Tamiflu

[dooklebug]

My four-year-old grandson, who has leukemia, was just diagnosed with the flu despite having the shot this year.  I also had the shot prior to my diagnosis.  Obviously it doesn't cover strain B, which is what he has.  My husband and I kept him until this morning so we have been exposed big time.  Does anyone know about Tamiflu and whether or not it should be taken with HCV.  My guess is it's okay, but my hepa will not respond to any of my questions, so I'm asking here.  Thanks and have a good evening.

[HectorSF]

As ldyllic mentioned 'you are supposed to take it within 48 hours of *developing symptoms* for it to be effective.

'Tamiflu is for treating people 1 year and older with influenza (flu) whose symptoms started within the last 2 days.'
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Indications
TAMIFLU is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza caused by viruses types A and B in patients 1 year and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.

TAMIFLU is also indicated for the prophylaxis of influenza in patients 1 year and older.

Efficacy of TAMIFLU in patients who begin treatment after 48 hours of symptoms has not been established.

TAMIFLU is not a substitute for early and annual vaccination as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

There is no evidence for efficacy of TAMIFLU in any illness caused by agents other than influenza viruses Types A and B.

Influenza viruses change over time. Emergence of resistance mutations could decrease drug effectiveness. Other factors (for example, changes in viral virulence) might also diminish clinical benefits of antiviral drugs. Prescribers should consider available information on influenza drug susceptibility patterns and treatment effects when deciding whether to use Tamiflu.

Important Safety Information1
TAMIFLU is contraindicated in patients who have had severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis or serious skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or erythema multiforme to any component of TAMIFLU.

In postmarketing experience, rare cases of anaphylaxis and serious skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and erythema multiforme, have been reported with TAMIFLU. Tamiflu should be stopped and appropriate treatment instituted if an allergic-like reaction occurs or is suspected.

Influenza can be associated with a variety of neurologic and behavioral symptoms, which can include events such as hallucinations, delirium and abnormal behavior, in some cases resulting in fatal outcomes. These events may occur in the setting of encephalitis or encephalopathy but can occur without obvious severe disease. There have been postmarketing reports (mostly from Japan) of delirium and abnormal behavior leading to injury, and in some cases resulting in fatal outcomes, in patients with influenza who were receiving TAMIFLU. Because these events were reported voluntarily during clinical practice, estimates of frequency cannot be made but they appear to be uncommon based on TAMIFLU usage data. These events were reported primarily among pediatric patients and often had an abrupt onset and rapid resolution. The contribution of TAMIFLU to these events has not been established. Patients with influenza should be closely monitored for signs of abnormal behavior. If neuropsychiatric symptoms occur, the risks and benefits of continuing treatment should be evaluated for each patient.

Serious bacterial infections may begin with influenza-like symptoms or may co-exist with or occur as complications during the course of influenza. TAMIFLU has not been shown to prevent such complications.

Treatment efficacy in subjects with chronic cardiac and/or respiratory disease has not been established. No difference in the incidence of complications was observed between the treatment and placebo groups in this population. No information is available regarding treatment of influenza in patients at imminent risk of requiring hospitalization.
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There are no contraindications for those with liver disease.

I hope your grandson is feeling better.
Hector

[dooklebug]

Thanks for the input.  I did have the shot a couple months ago that was supposed to cover all types.  So did Lucas.  He has to have one every year because of his cancer.  His oncologist indicated that this is a strain that isn't covered, but said that since he had the shot his symptoms shouldn't be quite as bad.  He also prescribed Tamiflu for him but it had to be compounded and cost $175!!!!!!

Our GP said that since we had him for the past three days we should probably start taking it immediately, but he wasn't sure about taking it with HCV.  My husband hasn't had the shot, so the doc said he should definitely start taking it.  He's feeling kind of puny, so it's probably a good idea. I may wait a day or two to see if I develop any symptoms.  Like you, I thought it was a postexposure med as well.  

Thanks for responding.  I hope you're doing well.  And thanks for the prayers for Lucas.  <3

[Idyllic]

Hey :) The flu is a hot topic this season - can't think why no one has offered any input. Are you sure about your flu shot. I had a flu shot last week and the pharmacist said it covers all three (whatever that means). The papers that came with it were somewhat similar to this:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm315365.htm

The thing about Tamiflu is that I think you are supposed to take it within 48 hours of *developing symptoms* rather than exposure.  Tamiflu is for postexposure prophylaxis rather than a prophylactic.
http://www.tamiflu.com/hcp/prescribing/hcp_prescribe_adults_prevent.jsp

Hopefully someone who has more insight will chime in. I hope this all works out and your grandson is OK. Prayers for him♥