Morocco is awaiting the second shipment of US Merck’s molnupiravir COVID-19 pills, which is expected to be delivered by the end of January, the Director of Medicines and Pharmacy at the Health Ministry, Bouchra Meddah told newspaper Al-Alam.
The country has already received the first shipment by the end of December, a delivery of 30,000 boxes of the COVID-19 drug developed by the Merck laboratory, according to the same source.
The US Merck’s molnupiravir COVID-19 pills will be given free of charge to people infected with COVID-19 in public hospital centers and university hospitals, aiming to reduce hospitalization and severe symptoms cases, said the same official.
This antiviral pill requires a prescription from a doctor and will be available in public hospitals, university hospitals, and private clinics, Meddah said, adding that it will also be delivered to pharmacies.
What are the four things to know about this antiviral COVID-19 pill?
1- It reduces the risk of hospitalization
Originally developed against the flu, Molnupiravir can be taken directly from home if a person tests positive for COVID-19 and can be taken twice daily for five days.
2- A complementary pill to the anti-Covid-19 vaccine
According to the president of the laboratory, this medicine will initially be available to people with underlying conditions in the countries where it has been ordered, such as those with diabetes or cardiovascular risks. People over the age of 65 will also be eligible for this medication.
3-This first shipment will cover the needs of 30,000 patients
The country has already received the first shipment by the end of December, a delivery of 30,000 boxes of the covid-19 drug developed by the Merck laboratory.
4-Does this antiviral has side effects?
Just like any other drug, possible side effects of Molnupiravir include diarrhea, dizziness, and nausea.
Morocco is among the first countries worldwide to authorize the use of this antiviral drug from the American laboratory Merck, with the UK as the first country which approved its use, after it showed the efficacy to reduce the risk of severe cases and death by 50%, especially if given within the first five days of infection.
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