[Pharmwaste] metabolic and environmental fate of Tamiflu

[ted schettler]

An in-press article in Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that
widespread use of Tamiflu during flu pandemic conditions could give rise
to viral resistance via waterfowl exposure to the drug's metabolites in
water supplies receiving sewage treatment plant outputs. (Relenza is
likely to cause the same effect, according to the authors.)

Approximately 70% of the drug is excreted in its active anti-viral form

Singer, A.C. et al. Potential Risks Associated with the Proposed
Widespread Use of Tamiflu. Environmental Health Perspectives in press,
October 2006.
open access:
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/9574/9574.pdf

Ted Schettler


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