Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Abstract

Efforts are ongoing by researchers globally to develop new drugs or repurpose existing ones for treating COVID-19. Thus, this led to the use of oseltamivir, an antiviral drug used for treating influenza A and B viruses, as a trial drug for COVID-19. However, available evidence from clinical studies has shown conflicting results on the effectiveness of oseltamivir in COVID-19 treatment. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the clinical safety and efficacy of oseltamivir for treating COVID-19. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the priori protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021270821). Five databases were searched, the identified records were screened, and followed by the extraction of relevant data. Eight observational studies from four Asian countries were included. A random-effects model was used to pool odds ratios (ORs), mean differences (MD), and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the study analysis. Survival was not significantly different between all categories of oseltamivir and the comparison groups analysed. The duration of hospitalisation was significantly shorter in the oseltamivir group following sensitivity analysis (MD -5.95, 95% CI -9.91—-1.99 p = 0.003, heterogeneity I2 0%, p = 0.37). The virological, laboratory and radiological response rates were all not in favour of oseltamivir. However, the electrocardiographic safety parameters were found to be better in the oseltamivir group. However, more studies are needed to establish robust evidence on the effectiveness or otherwise of oseltamivir usage for treating COVID-19.

The effect of oseltamivir use in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A multicenter propensity score-matched study

“…The study included eight observational studies and found that survival rates were not significantly different among the groups. However, a significant reduction in the duration of hospitalization and significantly better electrocardiographic safety was seen when compared to the control group ( Aliyu et al, 2022 ). In comparison with these studies, our study included only ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients who are at higher risk and the primary outcomes were the time for viral clearance and the need to MV.…”

“…Also, the study reported the number of oseltamivir patients who are admitted to ICU admission and MV was marginally reduced but failed to show statistically significant differences ( Zendehdel et al, 2022 ). Furthermore, a systematic review meta -analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oseltamivir containing regimen when compared to other regimen without oseltamivir for treating COVID-19 ( Aliyu et al, 2022 ). The study included eight observational studies and found that survival rates were not significantly different among the groups.…”