Widespread use of ▼oseltamivir (Tamiflu) has been a key strategy in tackling the H1N1 ‘swine flu’ pandemic in the UK. Is the increasing disquiet about this policy justified?

In clinical trials on seasonal influenza, neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and ▼zanamivir) have reduced transmission of influenza A but provided only modest symptomatic improvement. Oseltamivir's use in the current H1N1 pandemic has had various objectives: to limit transmission; to …