Antivirals

The anti-viral drugs amantadine, zanamavir (Relenza^®) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu^®) are all currently licensed in NZ, can shorten the course of an influenza infection if given early in the disease, and can provide short-term protection against influenza.
All three drugs are licensed for seasonal influenza prophylaxis.

There is increasing resistance to amantadine and it would not be recommended during a pandemic as first line prophylaxis or treatment now for influenza.

Zanamavir (Relenza^®) is currently not available in New Zealand. However, it is licensed in New Zealand, and may be available on the private market in the future.

Only Oseltamivir is licensed for both treatment and prophylaxis.

> National Stockpile
> OSELTAMIVIR(Tamiflu®)