Looks like GSK's 190M capacity may not be enough, people choose...

Looks like GSK's 190M capacity may not be enough, people choose to use Tamiflu because they CAN'T get Relenza.

Check the following link,

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2009/07/25/217661/NHI-confirms.htm

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NHI confirms Tamiflu coverage

The Bureau of National Health Insurance (NHI) yesterday confirmed that the influenza drug Tamiflu would be included in the National Health Insurance coverage and that those who test positive for influenza A would be immediately administered the drug.
Patients who experience fever or muscle aches and exhibit flu-like symptoms will have to be screened for flu via rapid diagnostic tests, said the NHI.

People who test positive for the influenza A virus will be able to use Tamiflu without having to verify whether or not the infection is of the H1N1 subtype, noted officials.

Li Cheng-hua, general manager of the NHI, said that the antiviral medication will be available at both hospitals and smaller clinics.

According to the NHI, due to the insufficient supply of flu drug Relenza, only Tamiflu will be covered under the program in the meantime.

Market prices for a box of ten tablets of Relenza has shot up to NT$1,200 from NT$900, as governments around the world have stockpiled the drug in case of a more serious A(H1N1) pandemic later this year.

Relenza has essentially become a seller's market and there are barely room for price negotiations, said NHI officials familiar with the matter.

Wang Ren-hsien, a physician with the department of infectious diseases under the China Medical University Hospital, advised prudent use of the antiviral drugs.

Patients should finish the entire five-day course of treatment in order to prevent developing resistance to it, he cautioned.
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