Herbal Spotlight
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NEW WARNING
GlaxoSmithKline has issued a "Dear Healthcare Professional" letter to announce new warnings associated with the use of its antiviral drug zanamivir (Relenza), which is used to treat uncomplicated illness caused by influenza A and B. Post-marketing reports of seizures, hallucinations, delirium and abnormal behavior—some leading to fatal outcomes—have led to the addition of a neuropsychiatric events section to the Warnings and Precautions in the package insert. Some of these events occurred in the presence of encephalitis or encephalopathy, but others occurred without obvious disease. These events occurred most often in children. No causal relationship has been established. Influenza infection may cause neuropsychiatric symptoms. Further studies are planned. In the meantime, health care providers are advised to be aware of the possibility of neuropsychiatric reactions and to teach patients and parents of pediatric patients to be aware of and to immediately report any unusual behavior.
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zanamivir