Favipiravir

Molecule Description

Favipiravir is an antiviral medicine used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 di

sease. It works by inhibiting the replication of infection-causing virus. Before using this medicine, it is advised to inform the doctor about your detailed medical and medication history. After taking this medicine, you might get diarrhoea and certain psychiatric symptoms. If the side effect does not resolve on its own or gets worse, inform your doctor or visit a nearby clinic. You should avoid taking this medicine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, suffering from any liver or kidney problems or are allergic to it.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Favipiravir

Favipiravir is used for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 disease in adults.

Contraindications of Favipiravir

When should one not use Favipiravir

If you are allergic to favipiravir.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have liver or kidney related disease or problems.

Side effects of Favipiravir

Common side effects of this drug are:

Diarrhoea
Increased uric acid levels
Decreased white blood cells count
Increased liver enzymes
Psychiatric symptoms

Precautions and Warnings of Favipiravir

Pregnancy

Can I take favipiravir during pregnancy?

Favipiravir should not be taken by a pregnant woman or a woman who thinks she can be pregnant as it can harm the unborn baby. A pregnant woman should not get into any sexual interaction or intercourse with a partner taking this medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take favipiravir while breastfeeding?

Favipiravir should not be taken by a breastfeeding woman.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed favipiravir?

Favipiravir does not alter driving ability. Patients with COVID-19 disease should stay home or in isolation ward of hospital and should avoid going out to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with favipiravir?

Avoid consuming alcohol when you are taking favipiravir.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You suspect pregnancy while taking favipiravir, discontinue the treatment and consult your doctor immediately.
You experience psychoneurotic symptoms such as abnormal behaviour, irritability, sadness, etc. after taking this medicine.
A pregnancy test should be performed for a woman of childbearing age, only if it is negative, can favipiravir be given. This medicine can harm the foetus, hence pregnancy has to be avoided when on th...
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You should use the most effective contraceptive methods during intercourse with a partner during the treatment and for the next 7 days after the end of the treatment.
Favipiravir can pass in semen, hence if a male is taking this medicine, then he should not have intercourse with his partner or pregnant partner. It is mandatory to use a condom to avoid pregnancy, us...
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Be cautious if you have a history of abnormalities in the metabolism of uric acid or having gout.

Mode of Action of Favipiravir

How Does It Work?

Favipiravir works by interfering with the action of a certain enzyme in the viral cell which leads to inhibitions of the growth of the infection-causing virus.

Interactions of Favipiravir

Interactions with other medicines

Some medicines can affect the way favipiravir works, or favipiravir itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
Especially if you are taking medicines for tuberculosis, antidiabetic medicines and medicines for viral infection.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I take favipiravir on my own?

A: No, do not self medicate with this medicine until prescribed by your doctor.

Q: Can favipiravir be taken by a pregnant woman?

A: No, if you are pregnant, then you should never take favipiravir. It can harm the foetus and its development. If you are a female of childbearing age, ensure you use the most effective contraceptive method when using this medicine and even 7 days after using it. If you are pregnant, and your partner is on this medicine, then sexual contact should be avoided, as this medicine can pass into his semen.

Q: I have gout can I take favipiravir?

A: No, you should not take favipiravir if you have gout or increased levels of uric acid.

Q: What are the side effects of favipiravir?

A: Side effects of this medicine include diarrhoea, increased uric acid levels, decreased white blood cells count, increased liver enzymes & psychiatric symptoms such as abnormal behaviour, irritability, sadness, mood swings etc.

Q: Can favipiravir cause fever?

A: No, favipiravir does not cause fever it helps to treat symptoms of COVID-19 and fever is one of the symptoms of COVID-19 disease.

References

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Last Updated on: 12 Jan 2022 | 10:24 AM (IST)

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