MID-DEVON doctors are maintaining their opposition to the new anti-influenza drug Relenza and claim that doubts are growing about its effectiveness.

The drug was authorized for distribution by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). But the Mid-Devon Doctors' Group, which includes Okehampton, Hatherleigh, North Tawton and Chagford, has decided not to prescribe it, while the South Hams and West Devon Primary Care Group, covering Tavistock, Yelverton, Bere Alston and Lifton, said it intended to do so.

The 68 Mid-Devon doctors originally said they were concerned about the high cost of the drug, the extra workload and the possibility of spreading flu by encouraging people to come to surgeries for prescriptions.

But now it is also being argued that the evidence for the drug's effectiveness is weak, despite the endorsement by NICE.

David Jenner, chairman of Mid Devon Primary Care Group, part of the North and East Devon Health Authority, and a member of the doctors' group, said that trials had not produced convincing evidence.

'Doctors must prescribe in the best interests of their patients,' he said. 'I would not expect them to feel bound by NICE's guidelines. The government expects the guidelines to be followed, but our group would like further debate on the subject.'

He added that there had been a lot of support for his group's position from around the country. The NEDHA is conducting its own investigation into Relenza, the results of which should be known in a few weeks.

Relenza can cut the duration of the disease, but by how much is disputed. The Department of Health claimed it would only reduce the impact by a day, but others have said it could do so by as much as 40%.

NICE has said that high-risk categories which should be considered for the drug include the over-65s and people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, or heart disease, a weakened immune system or diabetes.

Relenza will be used only when flu is already 'circulating' - this means when there are at least 50 flu cases per 100,000 GP consultations nationally. So far this year the disease has not been anywhere near so widespread.