User:Mr. Ibrahem/Molnupiravir

Molnupiravir, sold under the brand names Lagevrio and Molulife among others, is an antiviral used to treat COVID-19. It has been found to be useful in mild but not severe disease. It is used within 5 days of the start of symptom in those at risk of developed severe disease. It is not; however, a preferred treatment. It is taken by mouth.

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and headache. Safety in pregnancy is unclear. The dose does not need to be adjusted in kidney or liver disease. Use is not recommended in those under 18 due to concerns regarding effects on bone and cartilage. It is metabolized within the body to ribonucleoside triphosphate (NHC-TP) which results in viral error catastrophe (large numbers of viral mutations).

Molnupiravir was approved for medical use in the United Kingdom in November 2021. In December 2021, it was granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) in the United States. The recommendation for EUA approval was 13 to 10 with concerns regarding efficacy and that its mutagenic effects could create new variants. In the United States a course of treatment costs about 700 USD while this amount in the developing world is about 20 USD as of 2022.