THE rapid spread of seasonal influenza in China in recent weeks has increased the demand for a certain antiviral medication, prompting health experts to warn against hoarding of the pills or administering them to children without a doctor’s advice.

The drug baloxavir marboxil, sold under the brand name Xofluza, is approved for use among adults, as well as children age 5 and above. While the original market price per strip of Xofluza, comprising two 20 milligram tablets, is 222 yuan (US$30) in China, the prescription drug is currently being sold at over 300 yuan on some e-commerce platforms, the China Daily said.

Cases of influenza, a viral infection affecting the human respiratory system, have been on the rise since December.

However, Basel-based Roche, sole manufacturer of the medicine, said there is plenty of Xolfuza on the market Monday. Since October last year, Xofluza packaged in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area has also been available for sale.

The number of flu cases is on the rise and 99% of them have been identified as Influenza A, according to the latest data from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The prevalence of flu in northern provinces is more severe, but the overall level is lower than what was seen during the same period of the last flu season,” said the China CDC.

Speaking about the surging demand for Xofluza, Sun Boyang, a pharmacist at Peking University People’s Hospital, told China Central Television that compared with another common flu medication called oseltamivir, the drug baloxavir marboxil is easier to administer.

While oseltamivir — sold under the common brand name Tamiflu — is usually prescribed for five consecutive days, with a daily dosage of two tablets, Xofluza only needs to be administered once throughout the entire course of illness.

As some concerned parents are stocking up on the relatively newer antiviral medication in anticipation of a drug shortage, Sun said that children infected with the flu virus should first be taken to a hospital for evaluation, and Xofluza should be administered only under professional guidance.

Any antiviral medication is most effective when administered within 48 hours of a confirmed infection.

(SD-Agencies)