Favipiravir is an antiviral drug used to treat certain types of influenza viruses, such as influenza A, which causen bird flu and swine flu, influenza B, and influenza C. Currently, favipiravir is also being studied further to treat Corona virus infection or COVID-19.
Favipiravir or t705 or 6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide is a derivative of pyrazinecarboxamide. Favipiravir works against RNA viruses by inhibiting the polymerase enzyme, so the virus cannot reproduce.
favipiravir trademark: Avigan and Avifavir
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 Favipiravir
| group | Anti Virus |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Overcoming influenza virus infection |
| Used by | Mature |
| Favipiravir 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 are contraindicated in women who are or have the possibility of becoming pregnant. Favipiravir is not known to be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Using 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 on dialysis or have 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 Favipiravir
According to an ongoing study, favipiravir is given in a dose of 1,600 mg twice daily on the first day, followed by 600 mg twice daily on day 2 to day 5.
The use of favipiravir in the treatment of Corona virus infection will be considered by doctors according to the severity of the disease and the general condition of the patient.
How to Use Favipiravir Correctly
This medicine can only be used as directed by a doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the drug for longer than the recommended time.
Favipiravir can be taken with or without food. However, to prevent stomach pain, you should take this drug with food or after eating.
Make sure there is enough space between one dose and the next. It is recommended to take favipiravir at the same time each day.
Store favipiravir in a closed place in a cool temperature.
Favipiravir Interactions with Other Drugs and Ingredients
When used together with certain drugs, favipiravin can cause several interactions, including:
- Decreased effectiveness of amiodarone, atorvastatin, lovastatin, carbamazepine, chloroquine, cisapride, diclofenac, diltiazem, enzalutamide, erlotinib, ethinylestradiol, and ifosfamide
- 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
- Increased risk of side effects of grazoprevir, hydrocortisone, indacaterol, lenvatinib, morphine, nintedanib, oseltamivir, quinidine, paliperidone, ranitidine, simvastatin, tetracycline, vincristine, and zidovudine
Side Effects and Dangers of Favipiravir
There are no known side effects of favipiravir. However, this drug can cause some symptoms or complaints if used in excessive doses (overdose), including:
- Throw up
- Weight loss
- Decreased ability to move the body
Immediately see a doctor if you experience any of the complaints mentioned above, or if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug, such as an itchy rash on the skin, swelling of the lips and eyelids, or difficulty breathing.