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Medical experts are questioning why so much money was spent developing and then stocking up on medications for influenza. tablet Tamiflu and nasal spray Relenza are commonly prescribed by doctors to treat flu. Governments have heavily stockpiled the drugs as precaution in event of influenza epidemic. However, new research casts doubt on their effectiveness and on claims made by their manufacturers. Cochrane Collaboration, non-profit healthcare research network, and British Medical Journal published report based on clinical trials of drugs. study questions whether governments should be spending money on drugs.

research says Tamiflu does what manufacturers claim in that it shortens symptoms of influenza by half day. However, it says there is insufficient evidence to support claims that drug reduces likelihood of hospitalization or serious complications. researchers also found Tamiflu increased risk of nausea and vomiting by up to five per cent, and could cause headaches and depression. Tamiflu's makers said research excluded "real-world data". research team said Relenza worked little better than gargling with salt water or taking over--counter pain relievers. maker, GlaxoSmithKline, said: "When used appropriately, in right patient, it can reduce duration of flu symptoms."