Can I get a supply of Tamiflu or Relenza now, just in case?
Consult your doctor as to whether you need a prescription for one of these drugs. There has been a debate in the medical community over stockpiling them in case of emergency. Many physicians believe that stockpiling is unwise because of the risk that indiscriminate use of Tamiflu or Relenza could create drug-resistant strains of flu, whether it’s seasonal or pandemic. There have been reports that seasonal flu may become resistant to treatment with Tamiflu, though that hasn’t happened during this year’s flu season. Other doctors feel that people should have the drugs if they want them. In any case, there have been periodic shortages of Tamiflu. The manufacturer suspended shipments to U.S. pharmacies last fall when consumer demand increased because of pandemic fears. Shipments have since resumed, but there could be future shortages, however, because governments are ordering tens of millions of doses of these drugs. One argument against stockpiling: It’s not known whether Tamiflu or Relen
