Favipiravir is an antiviral medicine officially approved in India as a treatment for COVID 19 in its mild form. Favipiravir has been used in Japan since 2014 in the treatment of influenza.
Favipiravir works by bocking RNA polymerase which helps the virus replicate. In this way Favipiravir lowers the viral load of the coronavirus.
As with most medicines, Favipiravir can have side effects. These may include: increased uric acid, lower white blood cell count, elevated liver enzymes and diarrhea. Discontinue if side effects are bothersome or if you have an allergic reactions.
Do not take if you have a history of gout. Favipiravir is not recommended by those pregnant, suspected of being pregnant or breastfeeding.
The standard dosing schedule in India for mild COVID is 1800mg (9 tablets) twice daily on day 1, then 800mg (4 tablets) twice daily on subsequent days up to a maximum of 14 days of treatment/
Information about Avigan (Favipiravir)
Favipiravir, marketed under the brand name Avigan, is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat certain viral infections. Originally developed to treat influenza, it has been explored for its efficacy against other viral infections, including some coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
Favipiravir works by inhibiting the viral RNA polymerase enzyme, which is crucial for the replication of RNA viruses. This inhibition prevents the virus from multiplying and spreading.
Medicine Highlights
- Favipiravir is typically administered orally in the form of tablets. Dosage and treatment duration depend on the specific infection being treated and the patient’s condition.
- Favipiravir is approved in several countries for treating influenza. It has also been used under emergency use authorizations or investigational status for treating COVID-19 and other viral infections.
- In the context of influenza, Favipiravir has been shown to reduce the duration of symptoms and viral load.
Key Ingredients
- Active Ingredient: Favipiravir.
Key Benefits
- Effective against a range of RNA viruses, including influenza and some coronaviruses.
- Provides an option for treating influenza when other antiviral medications are not suitable.
- Being researched for efficacy against other viral infections, including some severe viral outbreaks.
Direction For Use
- Dosage: The dosage of Favipiravir varies based on the condition being treated, the patient's weight, and other factors. For influenza, the typical dosage might be around 1600 mg twice daily for the first day, followed by 600 mg twice daily for 4-5 days. For COVID-19, dosing protocols can differ and should be followed as per the prescribing guidelines.
Safety Concern
- Normal side effects of medicine are nausea, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes.
- Potential for liver toxicity, fetal harm (teratogenic effects), and potential impact on uric acid levels.
- Regular monitoring of liver function tests and uric acid levels may be required during treatment.
Avoid Avigan (Favipiravir) If
- Favipiravir is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects. It is also generally advised to avoid use while breastfeeding unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
- Patients with severe liver or kidney conditions may need to avoid this medication or use it with caution.
- If there is a known hypersensitivity to Favipiravir or any component of the formulation, it should be avoided.
