Anti-flu drug linked to two deaths
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The anti-flu drug Tamiflu can induce strange behaviour leading to accidental death, Japan's health ministry has warned, after two teenagers died shortly after taking the medicine.
A 17-year-old high school student from Gifu jumped in front of a truck in February 2004 shortly after taking the medicine, while a middle school student from Aichi is believed to have fallen from the ninth floor of his apartment building this February, according to Japanese news reports. Neither exhibited psychological problems before taking Tamiflu.
The drug's Japanese distributor, Chugai Pharmaceutical, issued a report to the health ministry after the first incident saying a link between taking the drug and the odd behaviour that led to the death cannot be ruled out. The ministry is warning that taking the drug may lead to abnormal behaviour and accidental death, an official said.
The deaths, and their possible link to the drug will cause second thoughts in governments around the world since Tamiflu is now being coveted as an answer to a feared bird flu epidemic. The Japanese government plans to increase its stockpile of Tamiflu to 250 million capsules, from 150 million, over the next five years.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments