JRSM > Volume 96, Number 4 > Pp. 207-208

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Prescription of neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza

Dick Madeley

Burnfoot, Stocksfield NE43 7TN, UK

E-mail: dickmadeley{at}aol.com

Mr Da Silva and colleagues' sensible paper on prescribing neuroaminidase inhibitors for influenza in general practice (February 2003 JRSM¹) attempts to put their use into a realistic context—i.e. those presenting within 36 hours of onset. Their results are nonetheless based on soft data. A considerable proportion of ‘influenza-like illnesses’ in patients of all ages are not due to influenza viruses (as Da Silva et al. acknowledge) and this proportion is liable to increase both when ‘flu’ is reported in the media as being present and when patients and doctors become aware that a cure may be available.

Hence, it will be very difficult to assess whether such drugs are genuinely useful in general practice unless one or more studies are done in which a diagnostic virus laboratory is used to confirm the cause in each case. Given the considerable practical difficulties of doing this, a well-prepared prospective study is necessary. In its absence, there is a danger of overprescribing; and, just as bad, overuse will discredit a useful group of drugs. It would be in the interest of the manufacturer(s) to sponsor such a study, as well as a search for a reliable and fast (< 1 hour) test.

REFERENCES

1. Da Silva PR, Nguyen-Van Tan J, Hayward AC. Logistic issues and potential prescribing costs associated with use of neuraminidase inhibitors for the treatment of influenza in primary care. J R Soc Med 2003;96:66 -9[Abstract/Free Full Text]

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This Article Full Text (PDF) Send a Quick Comment Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Quick Comments are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Madeley, D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Social Bookmarking                      What's this?