News - CTV.ca | Tamiflu sales temporarily on hold in Canada

A higher-than-normal increase in demand has forced the Canadian drug maker of Tamiflu to temporarily pull it off the market, amid growing concerns over an imminent flu pandemic.

Oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu, is an antiviral medication that is widely considered to be the best defence against the spread of a bird flu pandemic.

Under the heading of "Urgent," Roche Canada sent a letter to Canadian pharmacies informing them that shipments will end immediately until December, when flu season begins, The Globe and Mail reports.

When flu season begins, nursing homes and other institutions will get priority, the letter says.

"Roche Canada has decided to proactively manage the Tamiflu inventory," it says in the letter obtained by The Globe.

CTV.ca Tamiflu sales temporarily on hold in Canada