New Delhi: Tamiflu, or oseltamivir, is the drug, which in demand around the world today as it can be the best defence against the H1N1 virus. Every country is piling up its stocks to counter the virus, which has now affected nearly 40,000 people worldwide.
So far, it has the best response but doctors say there are other drugs which can cure the flu. But the only problem patients face is having to inhale those drugs, which makes it difficult to administer.
"Relenza is actually more effective as it can fit into a deeper pocket. But Tamiflu is easier to take, so it is being used," said Dr Lal.
The government has banned the sale of Tamiflu in chemist shops, but as fear builds up, the black market has fired up with each tablet selling for as high as Rs 400.
Public health experts are also worried about spurious drugs being passed off as Tamiflu. Doctors have warned against indiscriminate use of the vaccine since it has side effects.
"It needs to be government administered, one cannot keep taking it. It can't be taken for more than two months at a stretch," said Dr Naresh Gupta.
There are 60 million doses of Tamiflu in the world, out of which India has 10 million. Work is on to make another vaccine and till manufacturing begins Tamiflu is the best bet. But now that the flu is fast spreading, if there is a mutation, there is a chance that the magic pill may not work any more.