Molnupiravir

What is MOLNUPIRAVIR?

(MOLNUPIRAVIR) Molnupiravir is a product that the FDA is allowing to be given for emergency use to treat COVID-19. It is used by adults 18 years of age and older who have had mild to moderate symptoms for no more than 5 days and are not hospitalized. To receive this product you must also be at high risk for COVID-19 complications due to older age, obesity, or ongoing medical conditions (such as lung or heart disease or diabetes, among others). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment with molnupiravir. Molnupiravir works by preventing the growth of the virus that causes COVID-19. More information about molnupiravir is available from the FDA Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents, and Caregivers for Emergency Use. There is limited information about how safe and effective molnupiravir is for treating COVID-19. Study results show that molnupiravir may help people who have coronavirus stay out of the hospital. This product is not for use by people who are hospitalized due to COVID-19. The information in this document reflects emerging data, which is evolving and subject to reassessment. Users should be aware of these considerations in their review of molnupiravir, and it is always the responsibility of treating practitioners to exercise independent judgement in making care decisions.

How should I use MOLNUPIRAVIR?

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every morning and evening, 12 hours apart, for 5 days. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open, break, or crush the capsules. Let your doctor know if you cannot swallow the capsules whole. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are giving this medication through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or orogastric tube), consult the FDA Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents, and Caregivers for Emergency Use or your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to properly give it. Continue to take this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection or failure to protect you from the virus. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take MOLNUPIRAVIR?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Limited information is known at this time about other medical conditions that may affect how molnupiravir work, or how molnupiravir may affect other medical conditions. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. To avoid spreading the virus, you should continue to take precautions such as self-isolation, wearing a mask, social distancing (physical distancing), washing hands, and not sharing personal items. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using molnupiravir. Molnupiravir may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor may order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if molnupiravir passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication and for 4 days after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with MOLNUPIRAVIR?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Information is limited and it is unknown at this time if molnupiravir has drug interactions. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

What if I miss a dose of MOLNUPIRAVIR?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 10 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving MOLNUPIRAVIR?

Diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your health care professional promptly. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Information is limited and it is unknown at this time if molnupiravir cause other serious side effects. This is not necessarily a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Where should I keep MOLNUPIRAVIR?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.