The possible connection between Tamiflu and odd behavior that led to two teenagers' deaths will cause second thoughts in governments around the world, since the drug now is being coveted as an answer to a feared bird flu epidemic.

A 17-year-old high school student from Gifu jumped in front of a truck in February 2004 shortly after taking the medicine, while a middle school student from Aichi is believed to have fallen from the ninth floor of his apartment building this February, according to Japanese news reports.

Neither exhibited psychological problems before taking Tamiflu.

Ministry Warning

The drug's Japanese distributor, Chugai Pharmaceutical, issued a report to the health ministry after the first incident saying a link between taking the drug and the odd behavior that led to the death cannot be ruled out.

The ministry is warning that taking the drug may lead to abnormal behavior and accidental death, an official said.

Answer to Bird Flu?

The deaths, and their possible link to the drug, will cause second thoughts in governments around the world since Tamiflu is now being coveted as an answer to a feared bird flu epidemic.

The Japanese government plans to increase its stockpile of Tamiflu to 250 million capsules, from 150 million, over the next five years.