health expert elaborates on uses, adverse effects of anti covid drug Molnupiravir

Morocco has distinguished itself by its anticipatory and proactive approach by being among the first countries to have authorized the new anti-Covid drug “Molnupiravir”, said, Saturday, the doctor researcher in health policies and systems, Tayeb Hamdi.

This drug, whose importance lies in its easy oral intake, at home without hospitalization, is, next to the Paxelovid of Pfizer, “a new tool long-awaited in the fight against the pandemic,” said Hamdi.

It is mainly an “antiviral” used for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of Covid-19, in adults who have at least one risk factor for developing a severe Covid disease, such as people aged 60 years and over, diabetics, people with high blood pressure and those suffering from obesity, he stressed, noting that the ultimate effectiveness of this drug can avoid three hospitalizations out of ten if taken in time.

Regarding the recommended dose, the researcher stressed that it corresponds to four capsules, to be taken regularly twice a day for 5 days. It is contraindicated in people who are allergic to Molnupiravir or any of its components, pregnant women or women who may be pregnant, breastfeeding women and children under 18 years old.

In addition, the expert warned about adverse effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, dizziness and headache, which may occur when taking the drug.

Far from the medical indications of Molnupiravir, Hamdi noted that the place of this drug in the therapeutic protocol of the management of Covid “remains to be determined by the health authorities of each country according to the epidemiological situation, vaccine, economic means, availability of these drugs, and access to other therapies”.

Emphasizing the importance of these antivirals in the fight against Covid-19, the expert stressed that they are still far from being a magic solution.

“No matter how simple to take, no matter how effective, these drugs are no substitute for vaccination. Three-dose vaccination protects against infection and more than 90% against hospitalization and severe forms. Vaccines are much less expensive than these drugs and can be given to virtually anyone as a preventive measure without the constraints of a five-day delay or access to testing,” he explained.