1. Anti-viral drug molnupiravir
Molnupiravir is the first anti-viral drug to treat Covid-19 approved by the Ministry of Health on February 17 for the treatment of patients with Covid-19. This is a pill that works by introducing mutations into the genetic code of nCoV, preventing the replication of the virus. The drug received emergency FDA approval in December 2021.
Antiviral drug Molnupiravir STELLA 400 mg with QR code GONSA distributed on the packaging.
2. Who can use this drug?
According to the recommendations of the Drug Administration of Vietnam, the Ministry of Health, molnupiravir is used to treat mild to moderate Covid-19 in adults and has at least one risk factor for severe disease such as the people aged 60 and more, active cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity (BMI ≥30), serious heart disease (eg, heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy) or diabetes. (Those who are contraindicated to take molnupiravir - VnExpress Health) and "Molnupiravir should be taken as soon as possible after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and within 5 days of symptom onset" - an appendix in the Decision license from the Drug Administration.
3. How to use molnupiravir?
The recommended dose for adult is 800 mg of molnupiravir every 12 hours for 5 days. The safety and effectiveness of molnupiravir when used for longer than 5 days have not been proved.
4. If you forget a dose of medicine?
In fact, in the process of using the drug, not everyone fully adheres to the treatment schedule, so what to do when forgetting to take the drug, especially the elderly, so if a dose is forgotten? What am i suppose to do ??? If a dose is missed within 10 hours of its due date, the patient should take it as soon as possible and continue taking the usual dose regimen. Do not take the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
5. Who should be careful while using molnupiravir?
Due to the limited clinical data of molnupiravir, serious adverse reactions that have occurred during extensive use have not been reported. The drug is not recommended for pregnant women based on animal reproduction studies, the drug may cause harm to the fetus. Based on the potential for adverse reactions in the neonate, the FDA does not recommend breast-feeding during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of
molnupiravir. From the preclinical safety data of NSX STELLAPHARM, the drug is also not authorized for use in patients under 18 years of age because of possible effects on cartilage and bone development.
6. Does molnupiravir affect sperm?
During the counseling process, one issue that many people expressed concern about, especially men, was "Does molnupiravir affect sperm"? Molnupiravir has an effect on sperm quality, although the risk is considered low. Therefore, men who are sexual intercourse with women of childbearing potential should use an appropriate and effective method of contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of molnupiravir.
7. Should I continue to use molnupiravir after 5 days of treatment?
The answer is no. Because of its limited use, the drug is used for patients with less than 5 days of symptom onset. Do not use more than 5 consecutive days. The drug should not be used for pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis.
Molnupiravir distributed nationwide by GONSA at pharmacies.
8. What are the possible side effects of using molnupiravir?
Because the drug was approved in a state of emergency during the outbreak, the side effects of the drug are not fully known. The most common side effects of the drug can include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and rash. Please notify the medical staff of any unusual signs or discomfort during the use of the drug.
9. Foreign approvals
“The UK was the first country in the world to approve molnupiravir on November 4. The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said its trials showed the drug was "safe and effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death in mild to moderate Covid-19 cases and people who are at risk of developing severe symptoms". The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the evening of December 23 urgently approved molnupiravir for home treatment for people with Covid-19. The FDA recognized the drug as causing no worrisome side effects, and indicated that it was a treatment with a low risk of mutagenicity. However, the FDA does not recommend prescribing molnupiravir to pregnant and nursing women, nor has it approved molnupiravir in people who are hospitalized or under 18 years of age. Meanwhile, some world health experts are concerned that molnupiravir can cause mutations in cells, harming the user's body. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has not updated molnupiravir to the list of drugs to treat Covid-19 according to the regimen because of concerns about some side effects such as gene mutations, damage to muscles and bones, and possible side effects may pose risks to pregnancy and to the child.” (What are the side effects of the antiviral drug molnupiravir? - VnExpress Health)
10. Precautions when using molnupiravir.
Before using the drug, it is necessary to inform the medical staff about your medical history, current medications as well as whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Because molnupiravir is a special controller drug, patients should not buy and use it on their own. Patients need to be consulted by medical staff to avoid counterfeit drugs. You
need to take it for a full 5 days according to the treatment regimen for optimal effectiveness, do not arbitrarily stop using the drug. At the same time, it is necessary to isolate according to the advice of medical staff. In addition, you should also remember that you should use birth control during the time you take the pill and for at least 3 months after completing the regimen. Contraception is also applied in the case of male users. Please notify the medical staff when you see any unusual signs or discomfort during the time of using the drug for advice and timely treatment. For advice on the product Molnupiravir Stella 400 mg, please contact 18001248 for direct advice.
GONSA - Specializing in pharmaceutical and services
References:
Thuốc kháng virus molnupiravir có những tác dụng phụ nào? - VN Express
VnExpress Sức khỏe - Người nào chống chỉ định uống thuốc molnupiravir - VN Express
Những thông tin bạn nên biết về molnupiravir - Vinmec
HDSD Molnupiravir STELLA 400 mg của NSX – Công ty TNHH LD Stellapharm - Chi nhánh 1.
