Is Medication for Swine Flu safe for the allergic population

In line with the recent outbreak of Swine Flu the NHS are lining up medications for treatment. Those with allergies may be concerned about the suitability of the components contained in these medicines.

There are two types of medication:

Tamiflu - in both forms (capsules and suspension) would appear to be suitable for most food-allergic patients. Although the product contains maize-derived ingredients, it’s possible that the processing of these derivatives may have rendered them non-allergenic for some maize allergic individuals. We would suggest that if necessary, you might like to check the suitability of this medication for any maize allergic member of your family with their treating doctor or allergy specialist to see if skin prick testing is advised.

Relenza is contra-indicated for patients with Airways disease as it causes Broncho-spasm (asthma) and also contains Lactose so is not suitable for anyone with a Milk Allergy or lactose intolerance.

For further information follow these links:

http://www.rocheusa.com/products/tamiflu/pi.pdf

http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_relenza.pdf

Please check the ingredients of all medications as they can contain allergens which may be a problem for some allergic individuals.

Will the Swine Flu vaccine be safe for the allergic population

Generally, flu vaccines are unsuitable for anyone with severe egg allergy as they are normally cultured on egg.  The Anaphylaxis Campaign has had a number of enquiries asking about the Swine Flu vaccine and its suitability for egg allergic individuals.

The UK has purchased two different swine flu vaccines, Pandemrix (from GSK) and Celvapan (from Baxter). Both have been licenced for use by the European Commission.

Guidelines published by The Department of Health - 15 October 2009 - state that:

"Pandemrix should not be given to individuals, including children, with a history of severe anaphylactic reaction (shock or acute difficulty in breathing) after egg containing products; they should receive Celvapan.

Pandemrix should be given to individuals, including children, with less severe allergic reactions to egg.

Pandemrix and Celvapan can be co-administered with all other vaccines including the seasonal influenza and childhood vaccines."

Celvapan (manufactured by Baxters Healthcare) is not cultured on egg and is suitable for children from 6 months of age and adults. Two doses (0.5ml) should be given with a miniumum of three weeks between doses.

For Statements relating to the approval of vaccines please visit the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.emea.europa.eu/influenza/vaccines/home.htm

Allergy centers are gearing up to adminster flu and swine flu vaccines to egg allergic patients in as safe a manner as possible. Allergy centers are listed on the BSACI website.

For more detailed information and guidelines click here to read the BSACI position statement on "Swine flu vaccination in patients withegg allergy" 2009.