Favilavir
Favilavir Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Favilavir is a brand name. Its generic name is Favipiravir.
Introduction
Favilavir (brand name Avigan) is an antiviral medication developed by Toyama Chemical, a subsidiary of Fujifilm, for the treatment of influenza. It was approved for medical use in Japan in March 2014, and for emergency use in the United States in 2020.Uses
Favilavir is indicated for potential use in the treatment of serious or life-threatening infection of the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in adults and adolescents over the age of 12 with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.Mechanism of Action
Favilavir inhibits viral replication by acting as a viral RNA polymerase inhibitor. It prevents the virus from replicating inside cells by selectively inhibiting the activity of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, an enzyme required for viral replication.How Long Does It Take to Work?
The effects of favipiravir can be felt within hours of the first dose, though it is unclear how long it takes for the drug to reach its full potential.Absorption
Favilavir is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and has a bioavailability of over 99% following oral administration.Route of Elimination
Favilavir is rapidly and extensively metabolized, and is mainly excreted in the urine and feces as metabolites.Dosage
The recommended dosage of favipiravir is a 800 mg loading dose on the first day followed by 600 mg twice daily for 14 days.Administration
Favilavir should be taken orally with or without food.Side Effects
Side effects of favipiravir include diarrhea, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and abdominal pain.Toxicity
No studies have been conducted in humans to evaluate the potential toxicity of favipiravir.Precautions
Favilavir should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment, as the drug is metabolized by these organs.Interactions
Favilavir may interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, calcium channel blockers, and cyclosporine.Disease Interactions
Favilavir is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment.Drug Interactions
Favilavir may interact with other drugs, including anticoagulants, calcium channel blockers, and cyclosporine.Food Interactions
Favilavir is not known to interact with food.Pregnancy Use
Favilavir has not been studied in pregnant women. It is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless the benefits outweigh the risks.Lactation Use
Favilavir is not recommended for use in nursing mothers, as its safety during breastfeeding has not been established.Acute Overdose
The signs and symptoms of favipiravir overdose include nausea, vomiting, and headache.Contraindication
Favilavir is not recommended for patients who are hypersensitive to the medication or its components.Use Direction
Favilavir should be taken orally as directed, with or without food. It is important to take the medication as prescribed to obtain maximum therapeutic benefit.Storage Condition
Favilavir should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of favipiravir is 0.5-1 L/kg.Half Life
The half-life of favipiravir is 3-4 hours.Clearance
The clearance of favipiravir is 0.2-0.4 L/h/kg.Here you find in details version of Favilavir
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Favilavir
What is Favilavir?
Favilavir is an antiviral medication used to treat certain influenza (flu) viruses. It is a pyrazinecarboxamide derivative and was approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2014 for the treatment of new and re-emerging influenza viruses.
Is Favilavir approved for use in humans?
Yes, Favilavir has been approved for use in humans by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
What viruses does Favilavir treat?
Favilavir is approved for the treatment of influenza viruses, including the 2009 H1N1 virus and certain other new and re-emerging influenza viruses.
How does Favilavir work?
Favilavir works by interfering with the growth and development of the influenza virus. Specifically, the drug prevents the virus from replicating and spreading once it has entered cells.
Is Favilavir safe for human consumption?
Yes, Favilavir has been approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for use in humans and no serious side effects have been reported in clinical trials.
How is Favilavir administered?
Favilavir is available as an oral tablet and can be taken with or without food. It should be taken as prescribed by your doctor, usually twice a day with a gap of 12 hours between doses.
How long does it take for Favilavir to work?
Favilavir typically starts working within 24 hours of starting the medication. Most people experience an improvement in symptoms within 3 days.
Does Favilavir have any side effects?
The most common side effects of Favilavir are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other side effects may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, and itching. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Who should not take Favilavir?
Favilavir should not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children under the age of 18. Additionally, people with kidney or liver impairment or any allergies to pyrazinamide should not take Favilavir.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Favilavir?
If you miss a dose of Favilavir, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, provided that it is not too close to the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Is Favilavir available over the counter?
No, Favilavir is classified as a prescription medication and is only available with a valid doctor's prescription.
Can Favilavir be used to prevent influenza?
No, Favilavir is intended only for the treatment of influenza. It should not be used as a preventative measure against the flu.
Is Favilavir the same as Tamiflu?
No, Favilavir and Tamiflu are two different types of antiviral medications. Favilavir is approved for use in the treatment of influenza, while Tamiflu is approved for the prevention and treatment of the flu.
What is the generic name for Favilavir?
The generic name for Favilavir is Favilavir sodium.
What is the cost of Favilavir?
The cost of Favilavir will depend on the quantity and dosage form being purchased, as well as your location. It is recommended that you contact your local pharmacy to determine the exact cost.
Is Favilavir available in other countries?
Yes, Favilavir is approved for use in certain countries such as India, Russia, and China. It is also available in some parts of Europe and North America, but is not yet approved by the FDA in these regions.
Does Favilavir cure the flu?
Favilavir is a medication used to treat certain strains of influenza virus, including the 2009 H1N1 virus and certain other new and re-emerging influenza viruses. It is not a cure for the flu, but may help reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of illness.
Does Favilavir have any interactions with other medications?
Favilavir may interact with certain other medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking before starting treatment with Favilavir.
Can Favilavir be used with other antivirals?
Yes, Favilavir can be used in combination with other antivirals such as Oseltamivir or Zanamivir. However, it is important to contact your doctor before taking any combination of antiviral medications.
Who manufactures Favilavir?
Favilavir is manufactured by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation in Japan.
What is the optimal dosage of Favilavir?
The optimal dosage of Favilavir will depend on your age, weight, and condition. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor.
Is Favilavir used for other infections besides influenza?
Favilavir is currently only approved for the treatment of influenza. However, there is some ongoing research into its potential use for the treatment of other viral infections such as hepatitis C and Ebola.
When should I seek medical attention for influenza?
You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms: chest pain, difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, confusion, severe headaches, or high fever.
How long does it take for Favilavir to start working?
Favilavir typically begins working within 24 hours of starting the medication. Most people experience an improvement in symptoms within 3 days.