FAVIPIRAVIR
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA has approved Favipiravir for the treatment of patients with influenza and other viral infections, including Covid-19.
Uses
Favipiravir tablet is an Antiviral drug that belongs to the medication class known as Pyrazinecarboxamide derivative. It is used to treat influenza and other viral infections, including Covid-19.
How is it administered?
Take Favipiravir as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Favipiravir are diarrhea, increased uric acid level in blood, fatigue, dizziness. Serious side effects while taking Favipiravir are allergic reactions, increased uric acid levels, abnormal behavior, jaundice shock, pneumonia, stevens-johnson syndrome, thrombocytopaenia liver problems, kidney injury, psychiatric symptoms (disturbance of consciousness, delirium, hallucinations, delusions, convulsions, etc.)
Warnings
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Before starting this treatment, inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems or abnormalities in uric acid metabolism (gout, hyperuricemia, etc.). Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Precautions
Inform your physician if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding. In men, this medicine can pass into semen, so use effective contraception during and after seven days of the last dose. Consult your doctor for more information. It is not recommended for those younger than 18 years.
Word of Advice
Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets. Store protected from light at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze. If you have missed a dose, continue with the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Use is not advised in children and adolescents.
References
U Agrawal et al, Favipiravir: A new and emerging antiviral option in Covid 19, [Revised on 2020] [Accessed on 09th Apr 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7467067/pdf/main.pdf Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Pashapour S. Favipiravir and COVID-19: A. Drug Res, 2021, 71: 166â170 [Accessed on 09th Apr 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8043595/pdf/10-1055-a-1296-7935.pdf Y Furuta, Favipiravir (T-705), a broad-spectrum inhibitor of viral RNA Polymerase, Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci, 2017, 93(7):449-463 [Accessed on 09th Apr 2023], https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28769016/ Ciplamed, [Revised on 27th Nov 2020] [Accessed on 09th Apr 2023], https://www.ciplamed.com/content/ciplenza-tablets
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it mandatory to use effective contraception during the treatment of Favipiravir?
To avoid unwanted pregnancy, it is advised to use effective contraception while taking Favipiravir. In men, there is the possibility of the drugs getting absorbed in the semen. So it is better to discuss effective contraception with your doctor and use it accordingly.
How can I manage diarrhea while taking Favipiravir?
If you experience diarrhea while taking Favipiravir, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to help manage your diarrhea. If your diarrhea is severe or persistent, you should contact your doctor.
Is Favipiravir a antiviral drug?
Yes, Favipiravir is an antiviral drug belonging to the Pyrazinecarboxamide derivatives group.
What are the common side effects of Favipiravir?
Favipiravir's most common side effects are diarrhea, increased uric acid level, fatigue, and dizziness.
Who should not take Favipiravir?
Favipiravir is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or children. It should also be used cautiously in patients with kidney or liver disease and if you have a past with gout condition.