Death Caused By Improper Relenza Use: Drug Maker

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Inappropriate use of the anti-flu medication Relenza has been linked with at least one death, drug maker GlaxoSmithKline says in a letter sent to doctors. The letter was posted online Friday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The death occurred after the drug was reformulated into a liquid form, an action not recommended by the FDA. Glaxo said Relenza should only be used in the prescribed manner. The letter didn't provide any details about the person who died, the Associated Press reported.

Relenza, which comes in powder form to be used with a special inhaler device, is approved by the FDA to treat symptoms of seasonal flu when taken within two days of the start of the flu.

Millions of doses of Relenza and Roche's Tamiflu have been stockpiled by the United States, the AP reported.