09.04.2008

Health officials in Canada are investigating whether Relenza (Zanamivir), can be linked to fatal reactions or abnormal behaviour in children.
The investigation is a response to recently updated safety warnings issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Relenza. In March, pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline updated Relenza's safety labels after children in Japan were reported to suffer from delirium, hallucinations. Some died after injuring themselves. A similar warning was issued by the FDA for Tamiflu (Oseltamivir).
According to Health Canada's adverse reaction database, 27 people have reported adverse reactions to Relenza, including one adult who died. One 14-year-old reported nightmares and another six-year-old temporarily lost consciousness.
Another 96 people reported adverse reactions to Tamiflu, including 11 adults who died and nine who reported psychiatric problems.