Relenza, the new flu treatment controversially excluded from the NHS because
a panel decided it was not cost-effective, can cause breathing difficulties in
patients with asthma. Glaxo Wellcome, which makes the drug, warned doctors of
the danger last week. The company says the number of people who have suffered
breathing difficulties after taking the drug is tiny, and that the warning is
simply a precaution. But the news is unfortunate, given that flu patients with
chronic lung disease are among the ones most likely to benefit from effective
influenza treatments.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
If a bird flu pandemic starts, we may have an mRNA vaccine ready
News

Space
Titan’s strange plains may be explained by unusual weather
News

Mathematics
How we discovered the speed limit of arithmetic – and broke it
Features

Society
Game theory explains why the US's goals in Iran keep changing
Comment
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
How we discovered the speed limit of arithmetic – and broke it
2
From autism to migraines, birth order may have wide-reaching effects
3
We might finally know how to use quantum computers to boost AI
4
The biggest threat to Chernobyl is no longer radiation
5
Electric vehicle owners could earn thousands by supporting power grid
6
Exclusive report: Inside Chernobyl, 40 years after nuclear disaster
7
A whole new way to prevent death from sepsis shows promise
8
Dead Sea Scrolls analysis may force rethink of ancient Jewish history
9
Titan’s strange plains may be explained by unusual weather
10
Stunning photographs show the dynamic patterns of the natural world