Oseltamivir Prescribed by “Lazy” Doctors Should Be Avoided Except When Dying from H3N2, as It Can Cause Liver Damage!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 19, 2025 6 hours, 45 minutes ago
Medical News: Tamiflu Use Surges as H3N2 Cases Rise
As H3N2 influenza cases climb globally, concerns are growing over how the antiviral drug oseltamivir, widely known as Tamiflu, is being prescribed. In countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, reports indicate that some doctors are hastily prescribing the drug even for mild or moderate flu symptoms. In several cases, patients are also being charged high fees for the medication despite limited clinical need. This pattern has raised alarms among researchers and public health experts who warn that unnecessary exposure to oseltamivir could lead to serious long-term health consequences.
Overuse of Tamiflu during rising H3N2 cases may expose patients to liver damage diabetes risk and reduced drug effectiveness
Evidence Mounts Linking Oseltamivir to Liver Damage
A major pharmacovigilance study conducted by researchers from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Chongqing Medical University and the Pharmacy Department of Chongqing Youyoubaobei Women and Children’s Hospital analyzed adverse event data from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System between 2004 and 2023. Out of nearly 17 million reports, 297 cases were linked to liver related adverse effects following oseltamivir use.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0314970
The most frequently reported issue was abnormal liver function, followed by drug induced liver injury, jaundice, and even fulminant hepatitis, a rare but life -threatening condition. Notably, liver complications often appeared within five days of starting the drug, indicating that even short-term use at standard doses may pose risks.
Who Is Most At Risk
Detailed analysis revealed that adults aged 18 to 65 were most commonly affected. Male patients showed higher rates of abnormal liver enzymes, while female patients were more likely to develop drug induced liver injury. Older adults faced a greater risk of severe outcomes. Researchers suspect that oseltamivir’s conversion to its active form in the liver may stress hepatic pathways, especially in individuals with genetic variations in liver enzymes or those already taking other hepatotoxic drugs. This
Medical News report underscores that these were not isolated or trivial findings.
Researchers Warn of Possible Diabetes Trigger
Adding to concerns, a large population-based study from Chung Shan Medical University, Kaohsiung Medical University, and National Taiwan University examined data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database involving over 1.6 million individuals. The study found that oseltamivir users had a statistically significant increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to non-users.
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/1/128
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The researchers propose that oseltamivir inhibits neuraminidase 1, an enzyme involved in insulin receptor activation. By disrupting this pathway, the drug may impair glucose uptake and promote hyperglycemia. The risk was especially pronounced in individuals with obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or chronic liver disease, suggesting that vulnerable populations may suffer compounded harm.
Concerns Over Drug Resistance in New H3N2 Strains
Compounding safety issues, virologists have identified worrying mutations in emerging H3N2 strains. One mutation of particular interest, T135K found in the new H3N2 K clade, is suspected to reduce susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors, including oseltamivir. If confirmed, this would mean that widespread and inappropriate use of Tamiflu could accelerate resistance while exposing patients to unnecessary toxicity.
Calls For More Responsible Prescribing
Medical experts emphasize that oseltamivir still has a place in treating severe influenza and high-risk patients when used appropriately. However, they warn against routine prescribing for mild flu cases where benefits are minimal.
Alternative antivirals such as zanamivir or peramivir may be safer for patients with liver concerns, as they undergo less hepatic metabolism.
Patients are urged to watch for warning signs such as yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, unexplained fatigue, or abdominal pain during treatment. Routine liver monitoring should be considered when the drug is prescribed, especially for those with underlying conditions.
Why This Matters Going Forward
The combined findings from liver toxicity surveillance, metabolic studies, and viral mutation tracking paint a troubling picture. Over-prescription driven by convenience, profit motives, or patient pressure risks causing avoidable harm while undermining antiviral effectiveness. Healthcare systems must reinforce evidence-based prescribing and educate patients that antivirals are not harmless quick fixes.
Ultimately, these studies highlight the urgent need for restraint, better monitoring, and updated treatment guidelines as influenza viruses continue to evolve and as long-term drug safety data become clearer.
For the latest on the current H3N2 Flu situation, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2012/11/12/roche-tamiflu-data/1699521/
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/influenza-or-flu
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