Avigan is an antiviral drug that contains favipirapir. Currently, Avigan is being studied further to treat Corona virus infection or COVID-19.
Avigan contains the active ingredient favipiravir. Favipirapir is used to treat infections caused by the influenza virus. Favipiravir works against RNA viruses by inhibiting the polymerase enzyme, so the virus cannot reproduce and spread.
Avigan is produced by Toyama Chemical, which is a subsidiary of Fujifilm of Japan. Avigan has been produced and used in clinical trials since 2014 until now. The content of favipiravir in Avigan is also being studied to treat Corona virus infection or COVID 19.
If you experience symptoms of Corona virus infection and require a COVID-19 examination, click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
What is Avigan
| group | Anti Virus |
| Active ingredients | Favipiravir |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Overcoming influenza virus infection |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Avigan for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in animal and human studies have shown fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used in women who are or are likely to become pregnant. It is not known whether Avigan is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Using Avigan:
According to ongoing research, be aware of the following before using medications containing favipiravir:
- Do not use favipiravir if you have a history of allergy to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of gout, immune system disorders, mental disorders, shock, fungal or bacterial infections, hepatitis, tuberculosis, asthma, respiratory failure, and tumors.
- Tell your doctor if you are undergoing dialysis or have ever received an organ transplant.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
- If an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after taking favipiravir, see a doctor immediately.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Avigan
The exact dose of Avigan is not known. The use of Avigan to treat Corona virus infection will be considered by doctors according to the severity of the disease and the condition of each patient.
How to Use Avigan Correctly
Avigan is only used according to the doctor's discretion. Use Avigan according to the doctor's recommendations or instructions for using the drug. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the drug for longer than the recommended time.
Make sure there is enough space between one dose and the next. It is recommended to take Avigan at the same time every day.
Store Avigan in a closed place in a cool temperature.
Avigan Interactions with Other Drugs and Ingredients
According to ongoing research, when used together with certain drugs, the favipiravir content in Avigan can cause drug interactions in the form of:
- Decreased effectiveness of amiodarone, atorvastatin, lovastatin, carbamazepine, chloroquine, cisapride, diclofenac, diltiazem, enzalutamide, erlotinib, ethinylestradiol, and ifosfamide
- Increased risk of side effects of grazoprevir, hydrocortisone, indacaterol, lenvatinib, morphine, nintedanib, oseltamivir, paliperidone, quinidine, ranitidine, simvastatin, tetracycline, vincristine, and zidovudine
- Decreased effectiveness of ketamine, ketorolac, ibuprofen, piroxicam, lansoprazole, omeprazole, methadone, nicardipine, naproxen, repaglinide, sorafenib, theophylline, tretinoin, verapamil, and warfarin
- Increased risk of side effects of acyclovir, benzylpenicillin, cefalor, bisoprolol, captopril, cefdinir, cefazolin, citrulline, dexamethasone, digoxin, estradiol, everolimus, famotidine, allopurinol, and fexofenadine
Avigan's Side Effects and Hazards
The side effects of favipiravir contained in Avigan are not yet known. However, current research states that favipiravir can cause several complaints when used in excess (overdose), including vomiting, weight loss, and decreased ability to move.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience these complaints or have an allergic drug reaction, such as an itchy rash on the skin, swelling of the lips and eyelids, or difficulty breathing.