This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

The U.S. FDA-approved Favipiravir to treat people with influenza and other viral infections, including Covid-19.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Favipiravir tablet metabolizes to ribosyl triphosphate and converts into its active form called Favipiravir-RTP, and it works by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme  (RNA polymerase) that is necessary for viral replication. It works by stopping the replication of the infection-causing virus in the body.

Uses of undefined

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.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

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.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

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.

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.)

Word Of Advice

Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Store protected from light at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Contact your doctor for more concerns. If you have missed any dosage, continue with taking the next. Do not double dose.  It is not advised to use in children and adolescents.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. 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
  2. Ghasemnejad-Berenji M, Pashapour S. Favipiravir and COVID-19: A. Drug Res, 2021, 71: 166–170 [Accessed on 09th Apr 2023],  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8043595/pdf/10-1055-a-1296-7935.pdf
  3. 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/
  4. Ciplamed, [Revised on 27th Nov 2020] [Accessed on 09th Apr 2023], https://www.ciplamed.com/content/ciplenza-tablets

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.