Government to include Oseltamivir and Zanamivir in Schedule H1 after the consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
Oseltamivir, sold under the brand name Tamiflu, is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B, viruses that cause the flu. And the brand name of Zanamivir is Relenza and it prevents and treats infections caused by influenza A or B virus. Oseltamivir is a prodrug that is metabolized to its active form, oseltamivir carboxylate, after oral administration, while zanamivir is designed for delivery by inhalation.
These Antivirals have shown resistance if not used properly. Mutations associated with amino acid changes in the viral neuraminidase, hemagglutinin, or both, can cause resistance to oseltamivir. The principal difference is that mutations in hemagglutinin confer resistance not only to oseltamivir, but zanamivir as well, which is another important neuraminidase inhibitor.
Schedule H1 Drug contains warning that it is dangerous to take this preparation except in accordance with the medical advice. And Not to be sold by retail without the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
