Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Found to be Hepatoxic and Can Cause Liver Damage in Flu Patients!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 01, 2025 6 hours, 14 minutes ago
Medical News: A recent study has raised alarms about the potential risk of liver damage associated with the widely used influenza medication, Oseltamivir or Tamiflu. Conducted by researchers from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Chongqing Medical University and the Pharmacy Department of Chongqing Youyoubaobei Women and Children’s Hospital, the study analyzed adverse event reports collected by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over a nearly two-decade period. The findings suggest that oseltamivir may cause liver toxicity, with certain populations being at higher risk.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Found to be Hepatoxic and Can Cause Liver Damage in Flu Patients!
This
Medical News report highlights that oseltamivir, a widely prescribed antiviral drug for treating and preventing influenza, has been linked to serious hepatotoxic effects. While the drug has been in use since 1999 and has been claimed to be effective in reducing flu symptoms and complications, its safety profile concerning liver health is now under scrutiny.
Study Findings and Data Analysis
The study examined 16,960,996 adverse event reports recorded in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) between 2004 and 2023. Researchers identified 297 reports of liver-related adverse effects associated with oseltamivir, including conditions ranging from abnormal liver function to severe cases of liver failure.
Among the reported cases, the most frequently observed adverse event was abnormal hepatic function, with 54 recorded instances. Other significant conditions included drug-induced liver injury (26 cases), jaundice (32 cases), and fulminant hepatitis, a severe and life-threatening liver inflammation.
The data analysis indicated that male patients were more likely to experience liver function abnormalities, whereas female patients were more prone to drug-induced liver injury. The study also found that the median onset time for liver-related adverse events was less than five days after starting oseltamivir treatment, highlighting the need for early monitoring of liver function.
Risk Factors and Implications for Different Patient Groups
The study found that age and sex played crucial roles in the likelihood of developing oseltamivir-induced hepatotoxicity. Patients aged 18 to 65 were the most affected, with older adults showing a higher risk of severe outcomes. The data also revealed that men had a higher likelihood of developing abnormal liver function, while women had an increased risk of drug-induced liver injury.
The underlying mechanisms of liver damage caused by oseltamivir remain unclear, but researchers believe that the drug’s metabolism in the liver could be a key factor. Oseltamivir is converted into its active form by liver enzymes, and genetic variations in these enzymes may contribute to different levels of susceptibility among patients. Some reports have also suggested that patients with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking other hepatotoxic drugs could face an even greater risk.
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Need for Careful Monitoring and Alternative Treatments
Given the potential risks associated with oseltamivir, healthcare professionals are urged to monitor liver function closely in patients receiving the drug. Liver enzyme tests before and during treatment may help detect early signs of hepatotoxicity and allow for timely intervention. Patients experiencing symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, unexplained fatigue, or abdominal pain should seek medical attention immediately.
For patients with pre-existing liver disease or those at high risk of liver complications, alternative influenza treatments such as zanamivir or peramivir may be safer options. Unlike oseltamivir, these drugs have minimal metabolism in the liver and are less likely to cause hepatotoxic effects.
Conclusions
This study provides compelling evidence that oseltamivir use may be associated with an increased risk of liver toxicity. While the antiviral drug remains an important tool for flu treatment, caution is warranted, especially for patients with existing liver concerns or those taking other hepatotoxic medications. The study underscores the importance of individualized patient care and the need for healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks of oseltamivir use in each case.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: PLOS ONE.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0314970
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