Parker Waichman LLP

Tamiflu Benefits, Safety Overstated, Researchers Say

New independent research is questioning the effectiveness and safety of the ubiquitous flu drug Tamiflu. According to a Bloomberg report, the research firm Cochrane Collaboration was commissioned by the U.K. National Institute for Health Research to investigation the perceived benefits to taking Tamiflu and any potential side effects to the drug. The research firm examined […]

New independent research is questioning the effectiveness and safety of the ubiquitous flu drug Tamiflu.

According to a Bloomberg report, the research firm Cochrane Collaboration was commissioned by the U.K. National Institute for Health Research to investigation the perceived benefits to taking Tamiflu and any potential side effects to the drug. The research firm examined 10 clinical trials of Tamiflu, manufactured by Swiss company Roche Holding AG.

The research notes that people taking Tamiflu generally feel better one day quicker than those not taking the drug after first experiencing symptoms of influenza. The effectiveness of it reducing the symptoms of the flu by nearly a day are not questioned by the researchers. What came into question was the decision by governments around the world to stockpile the drug in attempts to reduce the spread of pandemic flu.

In 2009, stockpiles of Tamiflu were amassed by the U.S. and other governments in the wake of the H1:N1 Swine flu pandemic. The Cochrane researchers believe stockpiling Tamiflu proved to have no benefit, only to Roche which banked more than $3 billion in sales of the drug in that year, alone.

Specifically, people taking Tamiflu for the treatment of flu symptoms does not reduce the risk of being hospitalized for treatment. The researchers blame Roche’s withholding of eight clinical studies of Tamiflu’s effectiveness and safety for blurring government and physician belief on the effectiveness of the drug. When Roche finally agreed to release the findings of clinical studies completed on Tamiflu, the Cochrane researchers said the drug company only released the beginnings of those reports. It got the rest of that research through the European Medicines Agency.

Based on the information it has, Cochrane said it still was unsure if Tamiflu was an effective treatment in stopping the spread of flu and the complications associated with it.

Comparing the published and unpublished reports, Cochrane researchers noted glaring differences in the information, specifically related to the potential side effects of taking Tamiflu. According to the Bloomberg report, “one published trial listed no drug-related serious side effects, while the unpublished version listed three …”

The Cochrane report was published in British Medical Journal. Journal editors told Bloomberg they “remain to be convinced” of the value of Tamiflu specifically in reducing the length of flu-like symptoms. BMJ believes the public should have unfettered access to any clinical data collected on Tamiflu before deciding whether it is an effective treatment of influenza.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value Parker Waichman is an excellent law firm. Thank you Christina Morace my Paralegal, assigned to the case for guiding me through the process of filing the necessary paperwork for the 9/11 victims compensation fund. Your knowledge and ability to communicate it to me made the entire process much easier..
allan doyno
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you to all the help I received from your firm. A special thanks to Benita Rollis who was extremely helpful & understanding. I recommend this firm highly. Thx & God Bless
prakash chetri
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I understand that process for a case like mine takes time.Parker Wakeman has been working on it for me since my injury in August of 2014.There have been times where frustration has arrived during this period.I can't express my appreciation enough to my paralegal Josephine Burgess-Zephrine .She keeps me updated and aware of everything that goes on.I wish it was over,but I appreciate all that Josephine & Parker Wakeman are doing for me. Sincerely
Bob Schmitt
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038