Verigan

• Influenza Virus Infections: Used for treatment of novel or re-emerging pandemic influenza virus infections when other antiviral drugs are ineffective or not sufficiently effective.
• COVID-19: Used for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19.

Favipiravir is a new antiviral drug against influenza. It is metabolized into favipiravir ribosyl triphosphate (favipiravir RTP) by an intracellular enzyme, and favipiravir RTP selectively inhibits RNA polymerase (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) of the influenza virus, preventing replication of the influenza virus.

Adult Dose:

• Influenza/COVID-19: Day 1: 1600 mg twice daily; Day 2-5: 600 mg twice daily. Total treatment duration: 5 days.

Child Dose: Not given to children.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Reduced number of white blood cells (neutrophils)
• Increased triglyceride levels in blood
• Increased uric acid level in blood
• Higher levels of liver enzymes

Use in Pregnancy: Favipiravir is not safe during pregnancy; can cause birth defects.

Precautions:

• Caution when taking Favipiravir while driving.
• Can cause birth defects; contraindicated in pregnant women.
• Harmful to nursing infants; contraindicated in breastfeeding women.
• Contraindicated in people with severe liver or kidney disease.
• Confirmation of non-pregnancy in women of childbearing potential before use; thorough contraception measures from start of treatment to 7 days after end of treatment.

Overdose: Animal studies showed increases in liver function parameters; toxicity information in humans is not readily available.

Storage: Keep below 30 degree C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.