The antiviral can only be marketed with prescription storage and is indicated for infected adults at risk of worsening of the disease
The Collegiate Council of National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) Thursday 22 approved the sale of the drug molnupiravir in pharmacies and private hospitals in the country. MSD Antiviral is used to treat COVID-19🇧🇷
The decision was unanimous and provides for the sale in the pharmacy to be carried out with the prescription withheld, with a copy of the Special Control Prescription kept in the establishment and indications from the pharmacist to the patient on the correct use of the drug, which will be sold under the trade name of Lagevrio🇧🇷
The medicine is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults with confirmed infection and risk of worsening of the disease, including an increased risk of hospitalization or death. The drug should be administered as soon as possible after a positive test and medical evaluation and within five days of the onset of symptoms.
Anvisa stresses that molnupiravir is not licensed for the treatment of patients under 18, patients already hospitalized with covid-19, nor should it be used as a covid preventative. The medicine must also not be used by pregnant women because it can cause harm to the fetus. The drug should not be taken for more than five consecutive days.
According to Anvisa, the approval “taken into account the sale of the drug to the private market in other countries with international reference authorities, such as the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom”. The measure also considered, according to the agency, the current epidemiological scenario, with the circulation of new subvariants of Ômicron and the increase in cases of the disease in the country.
The drug was approved for emergency use in Brazil on May 4. By decision of Anvisa, it will be marketed with the label in English, but with the delivery of the flyer and information leaflet in Portuguese.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
