A culture showed staphylococcal pneumonia. On autopsy the cause of death was determined to be septic shock. 7 Caution was advised when prescribing zanamivir to patients with underlying asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If zanamivir is prescribed to patients with underlying airway disease, the FDA recommends the use of careful monitoring, proper observation and appropriate supportive care, including the availability of short-acting bronchodilators. The advisory also cautioned prescribers of the need to continue evaluation of patients receiving antiviral agents to identify those in whom primary or concomitant bacterial infection could occur.
Vaccination remains the primary method of preventing and controlling influenza.
The product monographs for both Relenza TM and Tamiflu TM caution that the use of these products should not affect the evaluation of individuals for annual influenza vaccination. Neuraminidase inhibitors have been available for a relatively short time and typically would only be prescribed for a limited period each year. The safety profile of a new drug evolves with time, particularly as it is used in different patient populations with a variety of pre-existing conditions and taking a variety of other medications. As this year's influenza season approaches, health care professionals are requested to continue reporting any suspected reactions associated with these products to further establish their safety profiles.