The drug was approved by Anvisa for emergency use in May and is now reaching the Brazilian market. Understanding the action of molnupiravir
Molnupiravir is an antiviral drug that has shown positive effects in the fight against Covid-19. For oral use, the drug is indicated for adult patients with mild to moderate infections. It reduces the chances of the Sars-CoV-2 virus to multiply and reproduce in the body, reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
The drug was approved by Anvisa for emergency use in May 2022 and has been available on the national market since last Monday (24). This is the first oral antiviral against Covid-19 available for sale in the country.
the medicine
Molnupiravir is mainly indicated for adults at risk of developing serious illnesses, such as immunosuppressed people, people with active cancer and other comorbidities. However, it is not an alternative for cases that require supplemental oxygen.
A study conducted by Merck – the pharmaceutical company responsible for the development of the drug – indicated that the drug reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from Covid-19 by about 50%.
For analysis, the comorbid volunteers were divided into two different groups. The first, who only took a placebo, had 14.1% hospitalization. Of the people who actually received the antiviral, only 7.3% needed hospital treatment.
“They used 775 obese, hypertensive and heart disease patients – people with comorbidities. [molnupiravir] reduced the need for hospitalization in the group where the antiviral was used by half, compared to placebo, “says Dr. Antônio Gamme, infectious disease specialist and head of intensive care at São Luiz hospital, Rede D’or The efficacy was so significant that, for ethical reasons, the study had to be stopped, as it would not be correct to follow the application of placebo in the volunteers.
Molnupiravir is contraindicated in children, pregnant and lactating women and women of childbearing potential who are not using effective contraceptives. This is because laboratory studies in animals have shown that high doses of the drug can affect the growth and development of the fetus.
The sale is made only on medical prescription. Also, you must take the pill within five days of the first symptoms of Covid-19, which include cough, fever, sore throat and runny nose.
Molnupiravir does not reduce the importance of vaccination
Molnupiravir is in use in 30 countries and has been part of over 10 million treatments worldwide, but that doesn’t rule out the importance of vaccination against Covid-19. After all, the drug is only effective for people already infected with Sars-Cov-2.
“He [molnupiravir] it will, in fact, complete the service provided by vaccines. Vaccines significantly reduce the spread of the pandemic. But people who become infected, eventually, may not fully protect themselves, although there is a decrease in more severe cases. Molnupiravir tends to solve this problem. A treatment that can be done at home, without any problem “, concludes Dr. Gamme.
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
