In vitro genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of tamiflu on human peripheral lymphocytes

The aim of the present study was to investigate the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of Tamiflu, commercial form of the oseltamivir antiviral and most frequntly prescribed for the treatment of influenza infections, on human peripheral lymphocytes by using sister chromatid exchange (SCE), chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests. Cells were treated with 0.5, 1, 2 µg/ml oseltamivir in one Tamiflu capsule for 24 or 48 hours in the absence of a metabolic activation system or 0.5, 1, 2 µg/ml oseltamivir for 3 hours in the presence of a metabolic activation system.