Controversia sobre oseltamivir y su efectividad contra influenza / Controversy over oseltamivir and its effectiveness against influenza

RESUMEN

Las complicaciones de las infecciones respiratorias virales ocasionan mortalidad importante. Durante la epidemia de influenza H1N1 del 2009 se reportaron 18449 fallecimientos en todo el mundo. En Perú fueron 312 los fallecimientos por gripe H1N1 reportados por el Ministerio de Salud. El oseltamivir se sigue considerando esencial en los casos severos de influenza H1N1; sin embargo, existe controversia sobre su beneficio y su seguridad. Se revisa la literatura, la cual nos lleva a concluir que es importante el uso racional y la evaluación de su costo efectividad.

ABSTRACT

Complications of viral respiratory infections cause significant mortality. During the 2009 H1N1 flu epidemic, 18449 deaths were reported worldwide. In Peru, there were 312 deaths due to H1N1 flu reported by the Ministry of Health. Oseltamivir is still considered essential in severe cases of H1N1 influenza; however there is controversy about their benefit and their safety. The literature is reviewed, which leads us to conclude that rational use and the evaluation of its cost effectiveness are important.