Does warfarin interact with oseltamivir or zanamivir?

Publisher: South West Medicines Information and Training

Date published: 27/08/2009 11:06

Expires on: 26/08/2011 23:14

Summary
by: Trevor Beswick

Whilst reports exist of increases in the INR of people taking warfarin and oseltamivir, the mechanism for a possible interaction has not been proposed.  Whilst a specific interaction between warfarin and oseltamivir (or zanamivir) cannot be ruled out, it may be that the fever associated with swine flu is a more likely cause of these cases of raised INRs in people on warfarin. 

The MHRA have set up a specific section of their website (http://swineflu.mhra.gov.uk/) for the public and professionals to report suspected side effects to particular medications administered during this time period to manage influenza. 

About this library entry
NeLM area:  Evidence > Medicines Q & A