Role of FAVIPIRVIR in the treatment of COVID-19

Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum oral RdRp inhibitor, already approved drug for new and re-emerging pandemic influenza antiviral medicine used for the treatment for viral clearance and faster clinical improvement for Covid-19 treatment. Favipiravir works by obstructing the activity of a specific protein in the viral cell which prompts hindrances of the development of the disease causing infection. Favipiravir has shown promising results in clinical studies in China, Russia, and Japan, and more trials are underway in multiple countries, including USA, UK, and India. Covid-19 had a devastating socio-economic impact around the world. SARS-CoV-2 is a positively oriented single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, with an incubation period of up to 14 days and an infection rate (R0) of 1.5 to more than 6 in some regions. The fall of the virus can be observed one or two days before the onset of symptoms and may last for one to two weeks in mild and moderate cases and in severe cases may exceed two weeks. Antiviral drugs taken soon after symptoms appear can shorten the course of clinical illness and can reduce infection to others by reducing viral shedding. It has been reported that if a patient receives antiviral therapy in the early stage of infection, there are high chances of reducing elimination duration and intensity of effector immune response; however, there may be a limited effect on the viral area under the curve (AUC) possibly due to higher levels of early SARS-CoV-2 replication. The implementation of antiviral drugs along with quarantine resulted in the substantial reduction of the number of Covid-19 cases. FPV treatment should be started immediately to enhance antiviral effects and improve clinical outcomes. Since COVID-19 administration varies over the long run it is difficult to figure out which treatment is more solid. In a past report, Favipiravir (FPV), can be a decent treatment in many sorts of RNA infections, as it has exhibited its antiviral impact on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene hindrance in vitro and in vivo. Favipiravir restricts the spread of the infection and helps in speeding up the recovery process.

Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Favipiravir. Some medicines may affect the way Favipiravir works or Favipiravir may reduce the effectiveness of other medicines if taken at the same time. It is always best to inform the doctor if you are taking any medicine or health supplement to avoid any possible interaction, especially if you are taking medicines for tuberculosis, viral infections, and, antidiabetic medicines. Inform your doctor immediately if you have gout, uric acid, liver, or, kidney disease. Favipiravir must be administered carefully to elderly patients by monitoring their general conditions. And, you must seek immediate medical attention if you see allergic signs, like blistering, rash, diffifulty swallowing or breathing, swelling of the eyelids, lips, face, throat, or tongue. It is advisable to take it with food than on empty stomach. Delay in treatment slows recovery and worsens existing symptoms, and, if left untreated, the viral infection may even lead to organ failure. Children must not be given Favipiravir, nor adults with severe kidney or liver disease. Do not self-medicate, and, follow your doctor’s instructions to get the maximum benefit from the medicine. Favipiravir is not recommended safe to be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women.