Lagevrio (molnupiravir)

Lagevrio (molnupiravir)

Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is a prescription medicine used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) in adults who are at risk for developing severe illness.

This medicine has been given ‘conditional approval’. This means that there is more evidence to come about its efficacy.

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What is Lagevrio (molnupiravir) for?

Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is a antiviral medicine indicated to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults with a positive SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test and who have at least one risk factor for developing severe illness.[1]

This medicine has been given ‘conditional approval’. This means that there is more evidence to come about its efficacy.[1]

It is available in capsule form, each containing 200 mg molnupiravir.[1]

How does Lagevrio (molnupiravir) work?

Lagevrio is an antviral drug that reduces the ability of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to replicate. It works by changing the genetic material of the virus called RNA, which impairs the ability of the virus to multiply in the body.[2]

Lagevrio may help people with COVID-19 stay out of the hospital and feel better.[2]

Where has Lagevrio (molnupiravir) been approved?

Lagevrio (molnupiravir) was approved for the treatment of people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 by:

  • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), UK on November 4, 2021.[3]
  • The European Medicines Agency (EMA) on November 19, 2021.[4]
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA on December 23, 2021.[5]
  • The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia under provisional approval on January 20, 2022.[6]

Please note that this medicine may have also been approved in other regions than the ones we’ve listed. If you have a question about its approval in a specific country feel free to contact our support team.

How is Lagevrio (molnupiravir) taken?

The standard dosage is:[1]

  • Four 200 mg capsules (800 mg), taken by mouth (orally) every 12 hours for 5 days

The capsules must be swallowed whole, and can be taken with or without food.[1]

It is important that you do not miss or skip doses of Lagevrio:[1]

  • If you forget to take a dose within 10 hours of the time it is usually taken, you should take it as soon as possible and take the next one at the usual time.
  • If you forget to take a dose by more than 10 hours, skip the missed dose and instead take the next one at the usual time.
  • Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Complete information about Lagevrio (molnupiravir) dosage (modifications) and administration can be found in the official prescribing information listed in our references section.[1]

Note: Please consult with your treating doctor for personalised dosing.

Are there any known adverse reactions or side effects of Lagevrio (molnupiravir)?

Common adverse reactions

The most common side effects (≥10% of patients) listed in the prescribing information include:[1]

  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Headache

Use in a specific population

Lagevrio is not recommended in pregnancy. It is not known if Lagevrio (molnupiravir) can harm your unborn baby. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control during treatment with Lagevrio and for 4 days after the last dose of Lagevrio.[1]

Breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of Lagevrio. It is not known if Lagevrio (molnupiravir) gets into breast milk and will be passed to the baby. If you are breast-feeding or are planning to breastfeed, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.[1]

For a comprehensive list of side effects and adverse reactions please refer to the official prescribing information.[1]

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