Cipla develops oseltamivir against swine flu

Falling within a class of medications called neuraminidase inhibitors, Cipla-Oseltamivir stops the spread of the flu virus in the body. If taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms it helps to reduce the severity of the illness, the transmission thereof and the duration of the symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle or joint aches, tiredness, headache, fever or chills.

“Oseltamivir has been recommended by both the WHO and the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) for the prevention and treatment of swine flu,” says Dr Nic de Jongh, Cipla's medical director.

“Since oseltamivir may also be taken as a prophylactic medication, if you've been in contact with anyone with suspected or confirmed swine flu Cipla-Oseltamivir should be taken once daily for ten days after the last exposure to the contact. Should you develop the early symptoms of swine flu which the British Medical Journal lists as a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms - a cough, sore throat, headache or muscle aches - it would be advisable to consult your doctor immediately who may then prescribe oseltamivir to treat the condition.”

Jerome Smith, Cipla CEO says, “We are currently awaiting the Department of Health and the National Institute of Communicable Disease statements on the possible impact of swine flu in South Africa and any precautionary measures they may advise in order to prevent a widespread outbreak here. We will work closely with them in assisting them prepare for and if needed, reduce the severity of any possible outbreak of the pandemic in South Africa and have sufficient Cipla-Oseltamivir stocks on hand and on order to immediately help address any outbreaks.”