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MANKATO – New flu drugs are rarely available on the market, but a Wednesday approval by the Food and Drug Administration will provide another option, as influenza cases are expected to increase.
Xofluza is the first anti-flu drug to get FDA approval in 20 years. It is considered as effective as long-lasting anti-flu medicines such as Tamiflu. One difference is that Xofluza only requires one dose, instead of two tablets a day of Tamiflu for five days.
Long-time pharmacist Mark Frost said he expects the new drug to be available imminently at most pharmacies.
"It will happen soon enough and the timing will be right because the flu season is usually peak between November and March," he said.
The medicine comes with a few shots. Research is underway to determine if Xofluza is safe for children, while for adults, it should be taken within two days of the onset of flu symptoms.
If taken in this window, it should be effective against influenza A and B strains that circulate each year. Some influenza strains have become resistant to older medications, which could also happen over time with Xofluza.
Frost said he hoped the new drug could stop flu-related deaths, which rose sharply across the country last year during the particularly difficult flu season. The 2017-2018 influenza season has left 435 dead in Minnesota, the deadliest season in years, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
"The number of people who die each year from the flu is ridiculous, but I hope we get better," Frost said.
Ron Grothe, pharmacist and owner of Le Sueur's Corner Health Health Mart, said the price of the drug would likely determine its popularity.
"Like any new drug, it's the price to pay for my money?", He said.
The drug was not yet in stock at Le Sueur. Frost said he has already seen it available at Walmart in Mankato.
Genentech, the seller of Xofluza, quotes pills at $ 150 each with coupons available to lower them to $ 30 with insurance and $ 90 without. Genentech's parent company, Roche, also sells Tamiflu.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, in a statement announcing Xofluza's approval, reminded people that the drugs treat the flu, while the vaccines help prevent it.
"Although there are several antiviral medications approved by the FDA to treat the flu, they do not replace the annual vaccination," he said. "The flu season is already well advanced and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend getting vaccinated before the end of October."
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