Avigan (favipiravir): functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses

What is Avigan (favipiravir) for?

Avigan, also known as favipiravir and T-705, is an antiviral drug developed by a Japanese company, Fujifilm Toyama Chemical. Currently, Avigan medicine is not yet available in Indonesia.

This drug is a derivative of pyrazinecarboxamide and is used to treat colds, especially those caused by the influenza virus.

Apart from being used against the influenza virus, Avigan is also proven to be effective in inhibiting the replication of other types of viruses, especially those belonging to the RNA virus type.

The following are types of viruses with RNA that Avigan can fight:

• flavivirus
• alphavirus
• filovirus
• bunyavirus
• arenavirus
• norovirus

Not only that, Avigan or favipiravir is also a drug that is currently being tested as a treatment option for COVID-19, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus or coronavirus.

A clinical trial conducted in China showed that the favipiravir in Avigan has the potential to fight the virus that causes COVID-19.

The success rate is much higher when compared to other antiviral drugs, such as lopinavir and ritonavir.

How do you use Avigan (favipiravir)?

Avigan is a drug that can only be taken according to a doctor's prescription. Follow the medication rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. Always read the instructions for using drugs before using this medicine.

This drug is an oral medication, meaning that it must be taken by mouth. Drink Avigan with one glass of water. Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, or for longer than the recommended dosage.

If you have further questions about the rules of use Avigan, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Avigan or favipiravir is best stored at room temperature. Keep this drug away from direct sunlight and damp places. Don't keep it in the shower or freeze it in freezer.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush Avigan down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment with Avigan (favipiravir).

In what forms and dosage is this medicine available?

The drug Avigan (favipiravir) is available in 200 mg tablets.

What is the dosage of Avigan for adults?

According to the Fujifilm Toyama Chemical website, the recommended Avigan dosage for adults is as follows:

• 1,600 mg twice a day on the first day
• 600 mg twice a day on days 2 to 5

The total time of administration of the Avigan drug (favipiravir) is 5 days.

However, there is no research that clearly explains the effective dosage for COVID-19. This is still under consideration and research by experts.

What is the dosage of Avigan for children?

The dosage of Avigan for children has not been established. For more information, you can consult a doctor first.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of consuming Avigan (favipiravir)?

Just like drugs in general, Avigan may cause side effects of drugs in some people. The severity and symptoms of side effects may vary.

This drug has been tested by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan, including how it has side effects on animals.

The test results suggest that there are several potential side effects, such as:

• decreased production of red blood cells
• increased levels of alkaline phosphate and aspartate transaminase (often associated with liver disorders)
• disorders of the testicles

However, the side effects of Avigan in humans still need further investigation. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions and Warnings

What are the things you need to know before using Avigan (favipiravir)?

Before deciding to use Avigan, you need to pay attention to several things. The following conditions must be considered:

Certain drugs and diseases

Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently using, whether prescription, non-prescription, supplements, or herbal medicines. This is because several types of drugs may interact with Avigan.

Drug interactions can make potential side effects appear or make the drug ineffective.

In addition, it is also important to inform your doctor about any diseases or other health conditions that you are currently suffering from. It is possible that this drug can trigger interactions with certain diseases or health conditions.

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug allergy, especially to Avigan, favipiravir, or any other ingredients in this medicine. In addition, get checked out if you have any other allergies, for example to certain foods, dyes, or animals.

Is this drug safe for consumption by pregnant and lactating women?

Avigan or favipiravir may have teratogenic properties. This means that this drug has the potential to cause side effects when consumed by pregnant women.

In addition, there has been no further research whether this drug is absorbed into breast milk (ASI) and is taken by a nursing infant.

Consult your obstetrician first about taking this drug during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

What drugs may interact with Avigan?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document.

Keep a list of all the products you use, including prescription, non-prescription drugs and herbal products. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions that exist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's permission.

Some drugs that may interact with favipiravir include:

• acyclovir
• allopurinol
• bisoprolol
• carbamazepine
• dexamethasone
• diclofenac
• fluvastatin
• ibuprofen
• lovastatin
• naproxen
• tetracycline
• verapamil
• warfarin

Are there foods or drinks that can interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems in your body can affect the action of the Avigan medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, such as liver disease or a history of alcohol abuse.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or drug overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112 / ambulance) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

The following are symptoms of a drug overdose that you need to be aware of:

• nausea
• throws up
• dizzy
• lost balance
• numbness and tingling
• convulsions

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the original schedule. Do not double the dose in one drink.