Rhabdomyolysis following initiation of antiviral therapy with oseltamivir

• Authors: Harika Puttagunta, Narayana Medical College; Saleh Alghsoon, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University; Prudhvi Regula, NRI Medical College; Shruthimurthy Hassankrishnamurthy, JSS Medical College; Vamsi K. Kota, Emory University
• Journal Title: The American Journal of Case Reports
• Volume: Volume 19
• Publisher: International Scientific Literature, Inc. | 2018-06-11, Pages 673-677
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.12659/AJCR.909278
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Oncology
• Keywords: Orthomyxoviridae; Oseltamivir; Rhabdomyolysis

Abstract

Objective: Adverse events of drug therapy Background: Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) serves as prophylaxis and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) caused by viruses of the Orthomyxovirus family. Here, we present a patient with URTI and negative rapid influenza diagnostic testing (RIDT), who developed rhabdomyolysis after being started on oseltamivir. Case Report: Our report describes a rare case of rhabdomyolysis after oseltamivir administration in a 53-year-old man with suspected influenza. We discuss the differential diagnosis for rhabdomyolysis to rule out other causes and review the literature on influenza-induced rhabdomyolysis. Conclusions: Considering the serious consequences of rhabdomyolysis, care needs to be taken in routine prescription and use of oseltamivir. Although this is a rare adverse effect, our case highlights the need to be vigilant for uncommon adverse events with commonly used drugs.