Tamiflu Lawsuit

After reports of children experiencing hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and committing self harm following use of Tamiflu, lawsuits were investigated against the makers of the flu medication, alleging that inadequate warnings were provided about the potential side effects of the antiviral flu drug.

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Tamiflu Lawsuits

OVERVIEW: Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) was first approved by the FDA in 1999 for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated influenza in patients two weeks old or older who have been sick for more than 48 hours. It is also approved as a preventative treatment among children at least one year of age.

Although the medication is marketed as safe and effective, concerns have emerged about the potential side effects of Tamiflu, which have been linked to reports of:

• Hallucination
• Behavioral Changes
• Suicide Ideation
• Suicide Attempts
• Attempts At Self Harm

TAMIFLU SIDE EFFECTS: Since Tamiflu is approved for use by children so young, many parents are prescribed the medication when their child comes down with the flu, to alleviate symptoms and avoid serious dangers young children may face from the illness. However, many experts have questioned whether the flu treatment may do more harm than good.

In 2009, researchers published a study in the British Medical Journal that warned about the potential side effects of Tamiflu, indicating that the drug appears to provide little, if any benefit. However, children may be more likely to experience problems on Tamiflu, such as nightmares, insomnia, nausea and other psychological side effects.

Tamiflu warnings provided by the drug maker suggest that children may face “an increased risk of confusion or abnormal behavior” early in their illness, but suggests that the problems are due to the underlying flu, rather than Tamiflu side effects. However, increasing evidence suggests that the problems may stem from a link between Tamiflu and suicidal thoughts or behavior.

TAMIFLU SUICIDE RISK: A growing number of parents have reported serious behavioral changes among their children after using Tamiflu, including suicide, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and engaging in acts of self-harm.

In 2007, Japanese health officials were alarmed after at least 18 teens committed suicide after Tamiflu use during a seven month period. This resulted in a health warning in that country.

If parents and doctors had been adequately warned about the Tamiflu suicide risks, many families now indicate that they may have avoided devastating loss or injuries caused by self-harm. Closer monitoring for signs of suicidal thoughts or behavioral changes may have allowed for earlier intervention, or parents may have elected to use a different flu treatment.