Amid all the discussion of bird flu — and the belated government attempts to prepare for a possible flu pandemic by stockpiling reserves of antivirals — public demand for Tamiflu has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, word from the manufacturer is that ordinary shipments in the United States are being halted in order to prevent hoarding and ensure adequate supplies to treat conventional flu cases this winter.

Given that the drug cannot be supplied at this time to US customers, affiliates would be well advised to halt marketing efforts targeted at this particular antiviral. We can all do our part by not fanning the flames of demand for the medication.