Influenza is a major health problem that can result in hospitalisation or even death among high-risk groups such as babies and small children, elderly or immunocompromised persons. According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “Influenza occurs globally with an annual attack rate estimated at 5%-10% in adults and 20%-30% in children”.(1) Although the influenza activity remains at low levels in Australia, an increase in activity has recently been observed in some areas.(2) The Department of Health publishes the biweekly Influenza Surveillance Report which pharmacists can use to track the flu season and to prepare for outbreaks and potential drug shortages.
Outbreaks of influenza can create a higher demand for oseltamivir, particularly in the oral liquid dose form. Oseltamivir phosphate compounded in SyrSpend® SF PH4 has a proven beyond use date of at least 30 days.(3) The compounding instructions for oseltamivir phosphate in SyrSpend® SF PH4 can be found in our free online formulations database Compounding Matters.
1. World Health Organization (WHO). Influenza (Seasonal) fact sheet N° 211, March 2014. Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs211/en/
2. Australian Influenza Surveillance Report and Activity Updates from the Department of Health. Available from: http://www.health.gov.au/flureport
3. Voudrie li MA, Allen DB. Stability of Oseltamivir Phosphate in SyrSpend SF, Cherry Syrup and SyrSpend SF (For Reconstitution). International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, February 2014.