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RENO, Nev. (KOLO) Nearly 20 years ago, Tamiflu was approved for the US market.
The antiviral was taken twice a day for five days to help fight the symptoms of the flu.
Few side effects and recommendations for children 12 months and older, as well as for adults, it has been considered by many to be a boon.
But viruses are difficult.
"Resistance particularly peaked with the H1N1 outbreak in 2009. We found tremendous resistance to Tamiflu," said Jennifer Wheeler, director of community health alliance pharmacies. .
With Tamiflu influenza resistance, the FDA last week approved a new flu drug called Xofluza. Although the symptom relief is virtually the same with this medication and Tamiflu, there are some differences.
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With Tamiflu, the medication should be taken twice a day for five days.
Xofluza is a single dose medication. Both drugs should be taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms and you need a prescription.
Xofluza works as Tamiflu in that it prevents the virus from replicating itself. However, this new drug breaks the chain faster, meaning that Xofluza patients are less likely to spread the disease to others.
Xofluza is recommended for children 12 years and older, as well as adults. It is not recommended in high-risk patients, such as those aged 65 and over or those who suffer from bronchitis or pneumonia. However, a recent study published this month showed that the drug was effective on this patient population compared to placebo.
Without insurance, Xofluza will cost $ 180, while a generic Tamiflu will cost just over $ 150. Insurance companies may want to pay for the cheapest drug.
Most of the pharmacies we talked to are fully stocked with Tamiflu.
This new drug is not yet on the shelves. It could be on the market in the coming weeks.
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