Physicians Urged to Discourage Patient Stockpiling of Tamiflu
[Posted 12/01/05]

Amid concerns that the avian influenza virus could mutate into a strain that is lethal to humans, some patients have begun asking their physicians to prescribe oseltamivir (Tamiflu) so they can have it on hand in case of a bird flu pandemic. While public concern about bird influenza is understandable, physicians are reminded that inappropriate prescribing and use of antivirals will lead to antiviral resistance among influenza viruses.

The California Department of Health Services (DHS) this week issued antiviral prescribing guidelines and reminded physicians to prescribe Tamiflu—which is in limited supply worldwide—only when there is an immediate medical necessity.

“These guidelines will help preserve the limited supplies of Tamiflu for patients who are seriously ill from the seasonal flu that is circulating,” said Dr. Glennah Trochet, Sacramento County health officer in a written statement.

Physicians who are pressured by patients to write such prescriptions are advised to cite the DHS directive when discouraging such patient requests.

More information on bird flu is available in CMA's Bird Flu Resource Center at http://www.cmanet.org.

Contact: Robin Flagg, 415/882-5110 or rflagg@cmanet.org.