Government Restricts Flu Drugs
published today 04:37 PM
LINK: http://yle.fi/uutiset/news/2009/07/government_restricts_flu_drugs_892530.html
The government has shut down access to flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza in preparation for a predicted swine flu epidemic in Finland. Restrictions on who can be prescribed the drugs have been tightened, and private clinics will no longer have unrestricted access to these drugs.
Minister of Social Affairs and Health Liisa Hyss?l? signed the edict on Tuesday.
People planning to travel abroad were given prescriptions for the drugs just in case they got infected with a flu virus, but this will no longer be allowed. Doctors are also now prohibited from prescribing drugs for themselves.
The only people who will be given the drugs are people with flu symptoms who belong to a high-risk group, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
The Ministry says that in addition to the flu drugs already in pharmacies, the government has stockpiled enough of the drug to treat a million people.
published today 04:37 PM
LINK: http://yle.fi/uutiset/news/2009/07/government_restricts_flu_drugs_892530.html
The government has shut down access to flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza in preparation for a predicted swine flu epidemic in Finland. Restrictions on who can be prescribed the drugs have been tightened, and private clinics will no longer have unrestricted access to these drugs.
Minister of Social Affairs and Health Liisa Hyss?l? signed the edict on Tuesday.
People planning to travel abroad were given prescriptions for the drugs just in case they got infected with a flu virus, but this will no longer be allowed. Doctors are also now prohibited from prescribing drugs for themselves.
The only people who will be given the drugs are people with flu symptoms who belong to a high-risk group, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
The Ministry says that in addition to the flu drugs already in pharmacies, the government has stockpiled enough of the drug to treat a million people.