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Update on Tamiflu Supply

South San Francisco, Calif. -- January 17, 2013 -- According to the CDC's update for Influenza Season Week 1 (ending January 5, 2013), influenza activity remains elevated in the U.S. Reports of influenza-like-illness (ILI) may be decreasing in some areas; however, most of the country is experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness with 47 states reporting widespread geographic influenza activity.

To ensure continuous supply of Tamiflu® (oseltamivir phosphate), Genentech has worked with the FDA to release our own reserve stock of Tamiflu 75 mg capsules that carry different packaging from what is currently available on the market in the U.S.

With the addition of these reserve supplies, we anticipate having sufficient supply of Tamiflu capsules to meet demand for this flu season.

The medicine from our reserve stock is the same as the medicine that is currently being distributed.
There are some differences in the appearance of the external carton packaging (notably, the reserve stock has Roche branding instead of Genentech branding). Importantly, the reserve stock carton includes an older version of the package insert that pharmacists have been directed to replace with the most current information which can be found at Tamiflu.com. The most current version of the prescribing information can also be obtained by contacting 1 (855) 424-4358.

Pharmacists and distributors have been alerted to this new supply of Tamiflu 75 mg capsules. Read the Healthcare Provider letter to see the differences in these packages and a side-by-side comparison.

Both supplies of Tamiflu 75 mg capsules from the reserve stock and supplies previously shipped for this flu season have expiration dates in 2016.

Tamiflu® (oseltamivir phosphate) Oral Suspension

As influenza activity remains elevated and widespread in the U.S., supplies of Tamiflu Oral Suspension (the liquid version of Tamiflu) may be limited in certain areas.

Tamiflu OS is typically prescribed for children under the age of 13 and people who have difficulty swallowing.

We are working to expedite new shipments of Tamiflu OS to distributors as new supplies of this formulation become available.

If Tamiflu Oral Suspension is unavailable at a local pharmacy, patients should consult with their physician or pharmacist for additional options. In the event that Tamiflu Oral Suspension is not available, pharmacists are able to mix Tamiflu 75 mg capsules into an oral suspension (liquid) for those people who need it. Most current healthcare provider instructions for dosing and compounding may be found in the Tamiflu package insert or on Tamiflu.com and on fda.gov.

Indication

TAMIFLU is indicated for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated illness due to influenza infection in patients 2 weeks of age and older who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. Tamiflu can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in patients 1 year and older. Tamiflu is not approved for this use in infants under the age of one. Tamiflu is not a substitute for the annual flu vaccinations (patients should still get the flu shot every year).

Important Safety Information

Before taking TAMIFLU, patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or nursing, or if they have kidney disease, heart disease, respiratory disease, or other serious health conditions. Also, patients should let their doctor know if they are taking any other medications or if they have received nasally administered influenza virus vaccine during the past two weeks.

If patients develop an allergic reaction or a severe rash, they should stop taking TAMIFLU and contact their healthcare professional immediately, as it may be very serious. People with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior early during their illness.  These events may occur shortly after beginning TAMIFLU or may occur when flu is not treated.  These events are uncommon but may result in accidental injury to the patient.  Therefore, patients should be observed for signs of unusual behavior and a healthcare professional should be contacted immediately if the patient shows any signs of unusual behavior.

The most common side effects of TAMIFLU when used for treatment of influenza include nausea and vomiting.

The most common side effects of TAMIFLU when used for prevention of influenza include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach (abdomen) pain.  

Report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 orwww.fda.gov/medwatch.  Patients and caregivers may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

For additional important safety information, please visit www.tamiflu.com.

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