It’s flu season, yes it is September but it is already flu season. Many parts of the country are experiencing a widespread outbreak of flu and the vast majority of these cases are the H1N1 novel flu virus. Although there is some question about the efficacy of Tamiflu, the anti-viral is being used with sensitive populations. Yesterday, the FDA released an alert that Tamiflu dosing errors have emerged.
FDA issued a Public Health Alert to notify prescribers and pharmacists about potential dosing errors with Tamiflu (oseltamivir) for Oral Suspension. U.S. health care providers usually write prescriptions for liquid medicines in milliliters (mL) or teaspoons, while Tamiflu is dosed in milligrams (mg). The dosing dispenser packaged with Tamiflu has markings only in 30, 45 and 60 mg. The Agency has received reports of errors where dosing instructions for the patient do not match the dosing dispenser. Health care providers should write doses in mg if the dosing dispenser with the drug is in mg. Pharmacists should ensure that the units of measure on the prescription instructions match the dosing device provided with the drug.
Earlier this year, my daughter had flu. Testing showed that it was influenza A, which is what H1N1 is, but this was prior to swine flu’s appearance in the United States. Her fever spiked to 106.5 (she’s had higher before) and she missed a week of school. She ended up with a double ear infection and a MRSA infection in her toe at the same time.
Since she was so sick, and she has asthma, the pediatrician recommended Tamiflu. I don’t know if it helped but because she’s been hospitalized with respiratory infections before, I wasn’t in the mood to risk her health. I am not quick to medicate for common childhood illnesses, but sometimes you just go with your gut feeling.
Thankfully, the kids are doing well right now. Arizona, where we live, is one of several states in the country reporting a widespread H1N1 infection rate.
Photo by mishmoshimoshi
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Thanks for this information Melissa. This is critical to know – doctors and pharmacists do make mistakes. I’m glad to hear your kids are doing OK.
I completely agree with going with your gut feeling… you know your children better than anyone. I am glad that they are doing well! Thanks for the information.
Hi and thank you for sharing your story. I live in San Diego where the HN1 virus has reared it’s ugly head. My grandson is asthmatic and for 2 weeks was coughing , had a runny nose but no other symptoms. However this week the coughing has subsided but he is now having high temps and seems listless . He does not have a cough yet today at the doctor’s he was diagnosed with the croup. I am concerned he may a have the HN1 virus, how can you tell since his symptoms are similar. Does the croup always present with a seal sounding cough?
Hi Cameron,
Thanks for commenting on my blog. I’m not a doctor, just a mom. I don’t know if croup always presents with a seal-sounding cough. I would definitely call the doctor if you have any concerns. I hope your grandson begins to feel better soon.
Warmly,
Melissa