Overview:
Favipiravir is a medicine that belongs to the group of medicines called antiviral medicines. It is used for managing patients suffering from mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. It stops the SARS-CoV-2 virus from multiplying, and by doing so, it reduces the viral load in the body and restricts the spread of the infection, and helps in speeding up the recovery process.
Favipiravir should not be self-medicated. Favipiravir should be taken as per the doctor’s advice. You should avoid taking this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you are suffering from any liver or any kidney disease, or if you are allergic to it.
Drug Group:
Favipiravir belongs to the group of antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs are given to treat any viral infections. These are prescription medicines and cannot be sold over-the-counter. There are some studies that have shown early antiviral treatment can even reduce the risk of deaths due to COVID.
What Is Favipiravir Used For?
Favipiravir is used for managing patients suffering from mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. It is used in adults under restricted emergency use.
How Does Favipiravir Work?
Favipiravir is an antiviral drug. It stops the multiplication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. By stopping the multiplication of the virus, it decreases the viral load in the body. As a result, the spread of the infection is restricted, thus speeding up the recovery process.
What Is the Dosage for Favipiravir?
The dosage of Favipiravir depends on the severity of the disease and the response to the treatment. Do not self-medicate or change the dosage of the medication without the advice of the treating physician and take the drug only as prescribed by your doctor. Taking the drug at a fixed time can have optimal effects.
How to Use Favipiravir?
1) Take this drug in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
2) Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew the tablet, or crush or break the tablet.
3) This tablet can be taken with or without food.
4) It is beneficial if taken at a fixed time.
How Long Should One Take Favipiravir?
The duration of taking this drug depends on the severity of the disease and on the response to the treatment. So follow the doctor’s advice while taking this drug. Do not stop or start the drug on your own without consulting your doctor.
When Is Favipiravir Given For the Patients?
Favipiravir is usually given for mildly infected individuals than for those who have severe COVID-19 infection. It is always better to use antiviral drugs at an early stage so that they can be effective in treating COVID-19 infection. Delaying the treatment can only slow down the recovery process and can worsen the existing symptoms.
Missed Dose:
If you forget to take the dose, take it as soon as possible unless it is not the time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take double doses to make it up for your missed dose.
Overdose:
Take the drug as advised by your doctor. In case you happen to take an overdose of Favipiravir, reach out to the nearest hospital or doctor immediately.
What Are the Side Effects of Favipiravir?
Favipiravir should be avoided in the following conditions:
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Allergic to Favipiravir
Favipiravir should not be consumed when you have developed a prior allergic reaction to the drug. If you have experienced any such allergic reaction, please inform the doctor beforehand.
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Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Favipiravir should not be prescribed to treat COVID-19 infection in pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is not considered safe to be used in pregnant women or breastfeeding women as it can cause harmful effects on the baby.
In case you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant and if tested positive for COVID-19, talk to your doctor. Do not self-medicate. Your doctor will assess your condition and will decide what is best for you.
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Children
Favipiravir is usually not administered to children because there is some experimental data saying that Favipiravir can cause severe and serious side effects in the younger age group.
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Elderly People
Favipiravir should be given to elderly people with caution as most often, elderly people have compromised organ function.
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Kidney Disease
It has to be used with caution in people with kidney disease. You need to consult with your doctor.
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Liver Disease
Talk to your doctor as it has to be given with caution.
Can Favipiravir Be Given to Patients With Gout?
No, this drug should not be given to patients who have gout or patients who have increased uric acid levels.
What Are the Side Effects of Favipiravir?
The common side effects of Favipiravir are:
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An increase in the level of uric acid in blood.
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Decreased white blood cell count (Neutrophils).
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Increased liver enzymes.
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Allergic dermatitis.
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Muscle pain.
Does Favipiravir Cause Fever?
No, this drug does not cause fever. In fact, it is used to treat the symptoms of COVID-19.
What Are the Drug Interactions of Favipiravir?
There are certain drugs that react or interact when taken along with Favipiravir. They include:
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Pyrazinamide (a drug that is used to treat tuberculosis) - Absorption of uric acid occurs in the renal tube.
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Theophylline - Interaction occurs with this drug and can increase the level of Favipiravir in the body.
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Famciclovir (antiviral drug) - When Famciclovir is taken along with Favipiravir, it can decrease the level of active ingredients of Famciclovir in the body.
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Sulindac (Medicine that is used to treat swelling)- When taken along with Favipiravir, the level of Sulindac is decreased in the body.
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Repaglinide (anti-diabetic medicine).
Can Alcohol Be Consumed with Favipiravir?
It is still unknown if it is safe to consume alcohol with Favipiravir, but it is always better to avoid consuming alcohol when taking this drug to have better benefits.
Is It Safe to Drive After Taking Favipiravir?
Favipiravir tablets do not alter the driving ability. But this tablet is used to treat mildly infected COVID-19 patients, and COVID-19 infected patients should stay home and should avoid going out to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease.
What are the Available Brand Names or Trade Names for Favipiravir?
The available brand names or trade names for Favipiravir includes:
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Fabiflu.
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Fapvir.
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Fluguard.
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Avigan.
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Favigeno.
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Favisyn.
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Favipill.
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Araflu.
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Cipvir.
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Faviblu.
