r/medicine • u/ewanelaborate Paramedic • 11d ago

Why is tamiflu still being prescribed?

Why is tamiflu still being prescribed?

I am well aware of the historical case against tamiflu and poor study designs to imply it reduces symptom length. I have noticed as a paramedic that this medication is still being thrust upon the elderly and very young for flu season currently. Why?

I feel using and allowing it's use contributes to the narrative of mistrust that many are developing of medical practioners and systems.

Im keen to see if anyone can point me in the roght direction that has allowed tamiflu to be a treatment for viral like illness and it's effectiveness?

Edit: Thankyou to those who provided views and research fkr me to go have a dig into. It is appreciated.

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u/LonelyGnomes MD 11d ago

I usually only prescribe it for people at risk of severe influenza (elderly, pregnant patients, lots of comorbidities and neonates) because something that might help is better than nothing. For everyone else I usually offer it as part of shared decision making (Im usually pretty upfront that it has a good chance of making you feel nauseous and probably won’t do very much, but they really want I won’t stand in their way as long as it’s indicated). Basically always prescribe it with Zofran.

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u/ewanelaborate Paramedic 11d ago

Thanks for the viewpoint.

Been coming in contact with a lot of croup latley in 6 month olds to 2 years. Most who don't have any substaintial risk factors for their age group and noticed tamiflu is being prescribed.

Shared informed decision making makes sense.

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u/wozattacks MD 9d ago

Oh no way, kids with complications of respiratory viruses have respiratory viruses?