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Pandemic Flu
On 11th June 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an influenza pandemic. UK Departments of Health have put in place measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic in the UK. The MHRA is working closely with relevant Departments to support the UK response. For more information click on More Information on the MHRA's Role in the Pandemic Response . To report a suspected side effect to an influenza medicine click on Reporting a Suspected Side Effect to Influenza Medicine .
As with any medicine available in the UK, the MHRA is responsible for monitoring the safety of medicines which may be given to manage influenza during this pandemic period.
The MHRA has developed a portal to sit alongside the Yellow Card Scheme and act as a channel through which healthcare professionals and patients/carers can report suspected side effects - visit the Swine Flu ADR Portal for further details.
How to Submit a Report
We have a specific online reporting system to collect suspected side effects associated with antiviral medicines and any future pandemic vaccines that are used to manage pandemic influenza. If you would like to report a suspected side effect please click on Reporting a Suspected Side Effect to Influenza Medicine . Anyone including patients, carers, Flu Friends and healthcare professionals can report in this way.
Please do not use the existing Yellow Card Scheme online reporting form to report a suspected side effect to one of these products during the pandemic period.
During this period please also avoid using the paper Yellow Cards to report side effects to ANY medicines: instead use the new online dedicated system for medicines used to manage pandemic influenza (antiviral medicines and any future pandemic vaccines), and use the pre-existing online Yellow Card for all other medicines. This is because online reporting allows us more rapid access to information about suspected side effects enabling us to respond promptly to possible safety hazards.
Antiviral Treatments
UK Departments of Health are issuing antivirals, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), to prevent or treat pandemic influenza. You can find information on how to obtain Tamiflu and Relenza at the NHS 24 Web page.
Tamiflu and Relenza are safe medicines which are effective against the current strain of pandemic influenza. Like all medicines, Tamiflu and Relenza can cause side effects, but not everyone experiences them.
Tamiflu is taken by mouth. The most common side effects of Tamiflu are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach ache and headache. These side effects mostly occur only after the first dose of the medicine and will usually stop as treatment continues. The frequency of these side effects is reduced if the medicine is taken with food. More serious side effects are very rare.
Relenza is taken by inhalation. Side effects are very rare but may include allergic-type reactions such as swelling of the face, mouth or throat, skin rash or hives.
Information on how to use these medicines and a list of the possible side effects can be found in the Patient Information leaflet (PIL) and Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for these products. Links to these documents are provided below:
If you think you may be experiencing a serious side effect, please consult a nurse or doctor.
General Information
The following links provide general information on the influenza pandemic:
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