14 Jun 2023 • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) has not panned out for reducing the risk of influenza hospitalization, according to a large meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine. The study aimed to determine whether the administration of oseltamivir to adult and adolescent outpatients with confirmed influenza was associated with a reduced risk of first hospitalization. Among over 6,000 flu patients across 15 studies, the 0.14-percentage point difference in hospitalization rate between those who took oseltamivir and those who did not was not significant.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) , an antiviral is commonly prescribed to outpatients with influenza to accelerate recovery and prevent complications. Yet, despite guideline recommendations, and millions of doses prescribed, it is unclear whether oseltamivir reduces severe complications requiring hospitalization.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis among influenza-infected outpatients, oseltamivir was not associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization but was associated with increased gastrointestinal adverse events. To justify continued use for this purpose, an adequately powered trial in a suitably high-risk population is indicated.

Source: JAMA Internal Medicine | Read full story