CDC updates its guidelines for who gets Tamiflu
One of the ways to treat, and in some cases prevent, the H1N1 flu is to take an anti-viral drug like Tamiflu, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been changing its guidelines for exactly who should get it.
Doctors have been prescribing it to patients who really need Tamiflu and now that group includes the very young.
Here are some of the changes:
The CDC is now recommending Tamiflu for children under the age of one who have a fever over 102, along with irritability, cough or loss of appetite. Also, children with neurological abnormalities like seizures and developmental delays, and children with asthma.
Doctors may also prescribe Tamiflu to protect family members with chronic medical conditions.
Pharmacist Gary Balo said he’s seeing more and more prescriptions for Tamiflu but he’s not worried about running out.
“It appears there’s an adequate supply,” he said. “Again, it depends upon how many cases come on board where you need to dispense more of that medicine.”
Since there’s no generic to Tamiflu be prepared to shell out some money.
A check at several pharmacies revealed that at Walgreens, Tamiflu costs $118, at Rite Aid $110, at Paulsen’s Pharmacy in the Hollywood District, $98, and at Costco, $89.58.
The liquid form for children is a little less expensive because it is not as potent.
For those who have insurance, the copayment will run between $30 and $50, depending on the policy.
There is an alternative to Tamiflu. It is called Relenza, but it is only approved to treat flu in people age seven and older.