Lloydspharmacy is offering advance supplies of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) through online private prescriptions, a service deemed unnecessary by both the Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency.

From today (31 July 2009) packs of 10 x 75mg oseltamivir will be available via Lloydspharmacy’s online site for a £53.45 fee.

Andy Murdock, governance and pharmacy relations director of Lloydspharmacy, explained that the company has decided to offer advance supplies of oseltamivir so that people who want to buy the treatment can get it from a reputable online source.

People displaying symptoms of swine influenza will be advised to seek advice and treatment through NHS channels.

“Our service is for people who want to ensure they have Tamiflu available if and when they need it and for people who will be travelling abroad at some point in the future.

“In the information sent out with every Tamiflu order our doctors will explain the symptoms people should look out for and the circumstances under which they should begin treatment,” he said.

Commenting on the service, a spokeswoman for the DoH said: “There is no need to pay for antivirals. They are free on the NHS and are being offered to all who need them.”

The HPA echoed this view. A spokeswoman said that it made “no sense to stock up” and added that the Government has bought enough supplies to meet the needs of the UK population.

However, Mr Murdock pointed out that there is demand for private prescriptions.

“We are playing as full a role as possible in the distribution of Tamiflu to NHS patients,” he said, “but it is clear that there is a significant demand for private prescriptions of the drug.”

The Lloydspharmacy service is run in partnership with Dr Thom, an online medical service.