|
Rapid spread of the H1N1 flu virus has prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize the use of the investigational antiviral drug peramivir. It is approved for emergency intravenous use only in suspected or confirmed 2009 H1N1 infection in hospitalized adults or children who are not responding to oral or inhaled antiviral agents currently available, or when a clinician determines that administration of available antivirals by the oral or inhaled route is unlikely to be effective.
In addition, intravenous peramivir for emergency use is available when a clinician determines it is appropriate for other reasons.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will coordinate directly with physicians to provide peramivir for emergency use. Physicians who review all available online information and still require assistance may call the CDC Emergency Operations Center at (770) 488-7100.
The American Medical Association has created AMAfluhelp.org for patients who want to learn more about H1N1 and seasonal flu. This free public health resource can help assess a patient's risk and determine the best course of action on the basis of any symptoms they may have.
Action, Nov. 2, 2009
Last Published: 11/2/2009 Print this page
|