Viral anti-influenza drug causes concern: doctors

(ECNS) -- Baloxavir Marboxil, an anti-influenza drug with a price of over 100 yuan per tablet has gone viral due to its claim that patients only need to take one pill before recovery following Oseltamivir.

Hu Yang, deputy director of the respiratory department at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, advised that patients shouldn’t self-medicate, and better take Baloxavir Marboxil after tests.

Compared to the medical insurance price of 222.36 yuan ($31.13) per box, the online prices have experienced varying increases, ranging from 280 to 360 yuan online, and in some cases, even reaching as high as 499 yuan.

In early December, a woman surnamed Zhao only paid 82 yuan for Baloxavir Marboxil at the hospital after using medical insurance when she was infected with Type A Influenza. The afternoon, she took the medicine, her body temperature returned to normal.

According to some people, Baloxavir Marboxil is now out of stock at many offline pharmacies while the highest online price is more than 124 percent higher thanat the hospital.

An offline store stated that the price is adjusted according to the supplier. Another online pharmacy said that the price was high because it was out of stock and then changed the price to 297 yuan per box.

In March, Baloxavir Marboxil was approved by the National Medical Products Administration for the treatment of Type A and B influenza for adults and children aged five and above, as well as in individuals aged 12 and above who are at high risk of infection.

According to instructions, the drug should be taken only once within 48 hours after having symptoms and is dosed based on body weight.

Doctor Hu said that prescriptions will be based on individual diagnosis, emphasizing his disagreement with taking the medication without specific instructions from a doctor.

“Baloxavir Marboxil isn’t helpful for all viruses so it should better be taken after tests. Besides, some may have allergies, rashes, liver function damage, and other reactions thus it should be taken under monitoring even with the doctor’s approval. If adverse reactions occur, go to the hospital in time," he suggested.

According to the Emergency expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of adult influenza, the current clinical data in pregnant women, immunocompromised, and those with severe diseases is still insufficient. 

Haidian Hospital in Beijing also pointed out in its WeChat account that Baloxavir Marboxil has just come on the market, and its efficacy and safety need more supporting evidence. The article suggested that people take it under the guidance of physicians and pharmacists.