FDA approves flu treatment for high-risk patients

The FDA approved a drug to treat patients with a high risk of developing complications from the flu.

Genentech's drug, Xofluza, is the first approved antiviral drug designed specifically for patients with a high risk for serious flu complications. People with high risk include those with asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, morbid obesity, or those over age 65. The FDA approved it Oct. 17.

Xofluza, an oral, single-dose medicine, was approved for treatment of acute, uncomplicated influenza in patients over age 12 last year.

Side effects of Xofluza include diarrhea, bronchitis, nausea, sinusitis and headache.

Read the full news release here.

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