Drug Resistance

• The World Health Organization reports that resistance to the anti-viral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can develop with extensive use. For the 2008 - 2009 flu season, the CDC determined that oseltamivir-resistant influenza A (H1N1) are circulating in high numbers in the U.S. The drug is no longer recommended for influenza unless special testing reveals a sensitive strain, such as influenza A H3N2 or influenza B.

Drug Recalls

• In October 2007, drug manufacturers voluntarily withdrew from the market all oral cough and cold products, including decongestants, aimed at children under 2, due to potential harm from misuse. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends against using these products to treat children under age 2. The FDA is currently reviewing the safety of cough and cold medicines in children ages 2 - 11 years.
• In late 2008, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, which represents most of the US makers of nonprescription over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children, began voluntarily modifying its products' labels to read "Do Not Use in Children Under 4." This action is supported by the FDA. No products are being removed from the shelves this time.

Emerging Virus

• A strain of swine flu virus emerged in Mexico, the United States, and several other countries in the spring of 2009. The virus caused several deaths in Mexico, 1 in the U.S., and concerns for a worldwide epidemic. In the U.S., the CDC recommends treating only those suspected of having swine flu with antiviral drugs.