Generic
Favipiravir
Indications
Treatment of novel or re-emerging pandemic influenza virus infections (limited to cases in which other influenza antiviral drugs are ineffective or not sufficiently effective).
Pharmacology
Favipiravir is approved for manufacture and sale in Japan as an influenza antiviral. It selectively inhibits the RNA polymerase of the influenza virus, an enzyme required for viral replication once human host cells are infected. COVID-19 also uses this enzyme to replicate and is classified into the same type of single-stranded RNA virus as influenza; hence, it is believed that Favipiravir may be effective in treating COVID-19. Favipiravir is only used when there is an outbreak of novel or re-emerging influenza virus infections in which other influenza antiviral drugs are either not effective or insufficiently effective. Its production and distribution is at the discretion of Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, so has never been distributed in the market and is not available at hospitals and pharmacies in Japan or overseas.
Dosage Administration
The usual adult dosage is 1600 mg of Favipiravir administered orally twice daily on Day 1, followed by 600 mg orally twice daily from Day 2 to Day 5 or as directed by physicians. The total treatment duration should be 5 days.
Contraindications
Favipiravir may cause delayed development or death of embryos during the early stage of pregnancy. Should not be given during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Most common side effects are Diarrhea and increase of blood uric acid levels.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Most common side effects are Diarrhea and increase of blood uric acid levels.
Therapeutic
This drug is only approved as an experimental drug and still a lot of studies is needed about it’s efficacy and also toxic reactions and use in children.
Storage Conditions
In animal studies, decreased RBC production,and increases in liver function parameters such as AST, ALP, ALT and total bilirubin, and increased vacuolization in hepatocytes. Toxicity information regarding Favipiravir in humans is not readily available.
Over The Counter Products
