Efficacy Study of Early Versus Late Oseltamivir Administration for Treating and Preventing Influenza

Summary

This study is a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical efficacy trial to assess the duration and severity of influenza symptoms, and duration of viral shedding, in influenza patients receiving oseltamivir early and late relative to placebo. There are two main hypotheses in this study: 1. The duration of influenza symptoms, mean severity score, and duration of viral shedding are reduced in patients who initiate oseltamivir treatment late (48 to 119 hours) compared to those receiving no antiviral therapy. 2. Prior influenza vaccination (same season) reduces the duration of influenza symptoms and mean symptom severity in patients receiving oseltamivir after adjusting for age and timing of antiviral therapy (early versus late). There are two secondary hypotheses: 1. The duration of influenza symptoms, mean severity score, and duration of viral shedding are reduced in patients with influenza who initiate oseltamivir treatment early (\< 48 hours) versus late (48 to 119 hours). 2. The incidence of secondary complications is lower in patients initiating oseltamivir therapy late relative to those receiving no antiviral therapy.

Timeline

Start

2008-01

Primary completion

2011-02

Completion

2011-02

Drugs

Indications