Published - Thu, 26 May 2022

MOLNUPIRAVIR: COVID-19 ORAL ANTIVIRAL DRUG

MOLNUPIRAVIR: COVID-19 ORAL ANTIVIRAL DRUG

This is good news because this oral antiviral is a COVID-19 treatment option for people who are at high risk of serious illness. The Merck COVID-19 pill is an antiviral that prevents the SARS-Cov-2 virus from replicating properly, lowering viral load and reducing symptom severity.

 

Molnupiravir will only be available with a doctor's prescription. This antiviral pill will not be available to everyone without a prescription, and the eligibility criteria for each vary. Molnupiravir from Merck will be available to people aged 18 and up who have screened positive for COVID-19 but have not yet been admitted to hospital, are at increased risk of getting severe COVID-19, and have no other FDA-approved COVID-19 treatment options available to people or that are clinically appropriate for them. Your doctor will explain whether or not you are eligible for an oral antiviral and which option is best for you.

 

Molnupiravir should be given as soon as possible after a COVID-19 diagnosis and within five days of the onset of symptoms. It's important to remember that the pill should only be taken if you've had COVID-19 symptoms. Molnupiravir is taken orally every 12 hours for five days, with or without food, at a dose of 800 mg (four 200 mg capsules). To maximise viral clearance and minimize SARS-CoV-2 transmission, the full five-day treatment course must be completed.

 

There are side effects to taking this oral antiviral for COVID-19, as with most medications. They may also interact with other medications and have an impact on other health conditions, so talk to your doctor about any medications you're taking and any preexisting conditions you have. Diarrhea, dizziness, and nausea are all possible side effects of molnupiravir.

 

It is not recommended for use in pregnant women because it may harm the fetus. If clinically indicated, it should be determined whether a woman of childbearing potential is pregnant before starting molnupiravir treatment. Molnupiravir is not approved for COVID-19 pre- or post-exposure prevention, and it cannot be used in place of vaccination. Despite the fact that this medication is available to some people, it is critical that everyone who can get vaccinated against COVID-19 do so. We know that vaccines are safe and effective, and that they are our best protection against the virus. Get vaccinated even if you've had COVID-19. Vaccine-induced immunity is stronger and lasts longer than natural immunity. Adults who have not been vaccinated are twice as likely to become infected with COVID-19 after recovering from their illness.

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Dr. Prashant Raj

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