Favipiravir

Information about Favipiravir

Favipiravir Uses

Favipiravir is used in the treatment of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

How Favipiravir works

Favipiravir is an antiviral medicine. It stops the SARS-CoV-2 virus from multiplying. By doing so, it decreases viral load in the body, restricts the spread of infection and helps in speeding up the recovery process.

Common side effects of Favipiravir

Increased uric acid level in blood, Diarrhea, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Increased liver enzymes, Increased triglyceride level in blood
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Sakshi Jain
MS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated
27 Sep 2023 | 06:27 AM (UTC)

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Expert advice for Favipiravir

  • Favipiravir is used for the treatment of mild to moderate Covid-19 symptoms.
  • Inform your doctor if you have gout, uric acid, liver, or kidney disease.
  • Favipiravir should be administered with care to elderly patients by monitoring their general conditions.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you see signs of allergic reactions like red or blistering rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling of the eyelids, lips, face, throat, or tongue.
  • Favipiravir can be taken on an empty or full stomach. However, taking it with food might reduce the possibility of nausea and vomiting.
  • It is advisable to use contraceptive methods while taking Favipiravir and for 7 days after the completion of the treatment.
  • Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions for Favipiravir

Favipiravir

Q. What is Favipiravir? What is it used for?

Favipiravir is a medicine that belongs to a class of medicines called antiviral medicines. Favipiravir is used for managing patients suffering from mild to moderate Covid-19 infection.

Q. When is the best time to start treatment with Favipiravir?

Favipiravir is best taken in mildly infected individuals than in those who have severe Covid-19 infection. This is because early use of antiviral medicines, such as Favipiravir, is seen to be more effective in treating Covid-19 infection. Delay in treatment only slows down the recovery process and worsens the existing symptoms such as breathing issues, cough, or fever. If left untreated, this viral infection may even lead to organ failure. Once tested positive for Covid-19, consult your doctor immediately.

Q. Who should not take Favipiravir?

Favipiravir should not be used for treating patients who are allergic to Favipiravir or any of its ingredients. Children should not be given Favipiravir. It should not be given to patients with severe kidney or liver disease too. Additionally, people who have any abnormal uric acid levels or are suffering from gout must inform their doctor before taking Favipiravir. If you are planning a baby, pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before starting treatment with Favipiravir to avoid any potential harm to your baby. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.

Q. For how long and in what dose should Favipiravir be taken?

Favipiravir should be taken in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. It is taken orally (by mouth) and the recommended dose is 1,800 mg twice on day 1, followed by 800 mg twice daily up to day 14. Do not self medicate. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Favipiravir.

Q. Can Favipiravir be used in the elderly and children?

Since the elderly often have compromised organ functions, Favipiravir should be given with care to them, alongside regular monitoring. Favipiravir has not been administered in children. However, some early experimental data suggests that Favipiravir may cause serious side effects in the younger age group. Therefore, this medicine should not be consumed by the elderly and children, unless advised by your doctor.

Q. Can Favipiravir be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, Favipiravir should not be used for treating Covid-19 infection in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Favipiravir is not considered safe to be used in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers as its use may cause harmful effects on the baby. If you are planning a baby, pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor if you are tested positive for Covid-19 or even if you are suspected of Covid-19 infection. Your doctor will decide what is best for you depending on your condition.

Q. How does Favipiravir work?

Favipiravir inhibits replication (a process by which this virus multiplies) of the Covid-19 virus and stops the further spread of the infection. In this way the amount of virus in the human body decreases, thereby leading to faster recovery.

Q. What is Covid-19?

Coronavirus disease 2019, better known as Covid-19, is an illness of the lungs caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2), which is seen to infect humans for the very first time. Covid-19 is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads from one person to another at a very fast pace. Persons suffering from Covid-19 are likely to have breathing difficulties, fever and cough as the major symptoms.

Q. I have diabetes and hypertension. Can I take Favipiravir?

Yes. Favipiravir may be given to patients with comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, under medical supervision. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the maximum benefit.

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