Anti-viral drugs and children

[capcat]

Probably most of you have heard about possible neurological problems associated with anti-viral drugs and children, but for those who haven't, please read...
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/11/23/fda.tamiflu.safety.ap/index.html
This news is alarming to me and hit close to home. Irrational behavior (caused by an unrelated prescription med...not an anti-viral) recently almost cost the life of a child I know. Even though her medication was not an anti-viral, it's very frightening that any med could cause something like that to happen.

[Mr. Peanut]

I'm of the mindset that I'm not giving my kids meds they don't absolutely need... just on general principal.

That being said, if your kid needs an anti-viral (or any other med), don't put them at extra risk without good reason by avoiding a med that could help them.

Example, there is no evidence that anti-virals cause neurological symptoms. The rate of neurological symptoms in flu sufferers who take tamiflu (etc) is no higher than in flu sufferers who aren't treated. Having the flu & fever certainly can lead to convulsions/hallucinations though... that we know.

So, anyway, I won't be giving my kids antivirals since there isn't any compelling reason IMO to do it. If they had a condition where it was more risky for them to have the flu... then, maybe.

But, there are thousands of kids without vaccinations because of misplaced fear... and, so, I think its important to look at these claims with as critical an eye as we look at claims of benefit.

[capcat]

I'm just saying that if there is any reason to suspect unusual behaviors with these drugs to pay attention to that for now and be extra vigilant if your child is taking them. It has nothing to do with witholding necessary medications, including anti-virals. Although I must say that, while unmedicated was not an option any parent would choose for her situation, this particular med was almost deadly.

[Mr. Peanut]

I'm just saying that if there is any reason to suspect unusual behaviors with these drugs to pay attention to that for now and be extra vigilant if your child is taking them. It has nothing to do with witholding necessary medications, including anti-virals.

Agree 100%. I didn't think you were suggesting anything other than keeping an eye open. Didn't mean to suggest otherwise.

I just feel compelled to mention that stuff since we see so many ppl who stop taking a med they really need or avoid a treatment where the benefits clearly outweigh the risks for them - because they saw an ad encouraging them to call XYZ attorney if they've taken Drug Z, or had someone tell them about a possible side effect without telling them the incidence is 1/250,000 (etc.)... Not to mention the unvaccinated kids.

Its a pet peeve.

[capcat]

...because they saw an ad encouraging them to call XYZ attorney if they've taken Drug Z... Not to mention the unvaccinated kids.

Its a pet peeve.
If I don't know anything else about you, Peanut, I know that ;)
btw...any individual or group who convinces parents to try the latest treatment fad and makes money at it through books, workshops and products is my pet peeve, and is related to yours regarding unvaccinated kids.
Don't get me started :icon_mrgreen: