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molecule

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

Uses of Favipiravir

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

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.
sideEffects

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
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Favipiravir

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take favipiravir during pregnancy?
A:
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.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take favipiravir while breastfeeding?
A:
Favipiravir should not be taken by a breastfeeding woman.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed favipiravir?
A:
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

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with favipiravir?
A:
Avoid consuming alcohol when you are taking favipiravir.
otherGeneralWarnings

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.
modeOfAction

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

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
doctor

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD CCEBDM Diabetology

REVIEWED BY
doctor

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

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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