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Relenza, the new flu treatment controversially excluded from the NHS because
a panel decided it was not cost-effective, can cause breathing difficulties in
patients with asthma. Glaxo Wellcome, which makes the drug, warned doctors of
the danger last week. The company says the number of people who have suffered
breathing difficulties after taking the drug is tiny, and that the warning is
simply a precaution. But the news is unfortunate, given that flu patients with
chronic lung disease are among the ones most likely to benefit from effective
influenza treatments.