Molnupiravir

Generic Name: molnupiravir

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Lagevrio

11 DESCRIPTION LAGEVRIO capsules contain molnupiravir, a nucleoside analogue that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by viral mutagenesis and is the 5´-isobutyrate ester of the ribonucleoside analog N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC). The chemical name for molnupiravir is {(2R,3S,4R,5R)-3,4-Dihydroxy-5-[(4Z)-4-(hydroxyimino)-2-oxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl]oxolan-2-yl}methyl 2-methylpropanoate. It has an empirical formula of C 13 H 19 N 3 O 7 and its molecular weight is 329.31 g/mol.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION LAGEVRIO capsules contain molnupiravir, a nucleoside analogue that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by viral mutagenesis and is the 5´-isobutyrate ester of the ribonucleoside analog N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC). The chemical name for molnupiravir is {(2R,3S,4R,5R)-3,4-Dihydroxy-5-[(4Z)-4-(hydroxyimino)-2-oxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl]oxolan-2-yl}methyl 2-methylpropanoate. It has an empirical formula of C 13 H 19 N 3 O 7 and its molecular weight is 329.31 g/mol.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 2.1 Dosage for Emergency Use of LAGEVRIO in Adult Patients The dosage in adult patients is 800 mg (four 200 mg capsules) taken orally every 12 hours for 5 days, with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Take LAGEVRIO as soon as possible after a diagnosis of COVID-19 has been made, and within 5 days of symptom onset [see Emergency Use Authorization (1) and Clinical Studies (14) ] . Completion of the full 5-day treatment course and continued isolation in accordance with public health recommendations are important to maximize viral clearance and minimize transmission of SARS-CoV-2 [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] .

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 6.1 Adverse Reactions from Clinical Studies The following adverse reactions have been observed in the clinical study of LAGEVRIO that supported the EUA. The adverse reaction rates observed in these clinical trials cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Additional adverse events associated with LAGEVRIO may become apparent with more widespread use. Overall, more than 900 subjects have been exposed to LAGEVRIO 800 mg twice daily in clinical trials. The safety assessment of LAGEVRIO is primarily based on an analysis from subjects followed through Day 29 in the Phase 3 study in non-hospitalized subjects with COVID-19 (MOVe-OUT) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No drug interactions have been identified based on the limited available data on the emergency use of LAGEVRIO authorized under this EUA. No clinical drug-drug interaction trials of LAGEVRIO with concomitant medications, including other treatments for mild-to-moderate COVID-19, have been conducted [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Warnings

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATION OF LAGEVRIO UNDER EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION In order to mitigate the risks of using this unapproved product under the EUA and to optimize the potential benefit of LAGEVRIO, the following steps are required. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS There are limited clinical data available for LAGEVRIO. Serious and unexpected adverse events may occur that have not been previously reported with LAGEVRIO use. 5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, LAGEVRIO may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant individuals. There are no available human data on the use of LAGEVRIO in pregnant individuals to evaluate the risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; therefore, LAGEVRIO is not recommended for use during pregnancy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS No contraindications have been identified based on the limited available data on the emergency use of LAGEVRIO authorized under this EUA.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Registry There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in individuals exposed to LAGEVRIO during pregnancy. The prescribing healthcare provider must document that a pregnant individual was made aware of the pregnancy registry at https://covid-pr.pregistry.com or 1-800-616-3791. Pregnant individuals exposed to LAGEVRIO or their healthcare providers can also report the exposure by contacting Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ USA at 1-877-888-4231.

Storage

Storage and Handling Store LAGEVRIO capsules at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of Molnupiravir?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 6.1 Adverse Reactions from Clinical Studies The following adverse reactions have been observed in the clinical study of LAGEVRIO that supported the EUA. The adverse reaction rates observed in these clinical trials cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Additional adverse events associated with LAGEVRIO may become apparent with more widespread use. Overall, more than 900 subjects have been exposed to LAGEVRIO 800 mg twice daily in clinical trials. The safety assessment of LAGEVRIO is primarily based on an analysis from subjects followed through Day 29 in the Phase 3 study in non-hospitalized subjects with COVID-19 (MOVe-OUT) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .

Can I take Molnupiravir during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Registry There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in individuals exposed to LAGEVRIO during pregnancy. The prescribing healthcare provider must document that a pregnant individual was made aware of the pregnancy registry at https://covid-pr.pregistry.com or 1-800-616-3791. Pregnant individuals exposed to LAGEVRIO or their healthcare providers can also report the exposure by contacting Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ USA at 1-877-888-4231.

What are the important warnings for Molnupiravir?

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATION OF LAGEVRIO UNDER EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION In order to mitigate the risks of using this unapproved product under the EUA and to optimize the potential benefit of LAGEVRIO, the following steps are required. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS There are limited clinical data available for LAGEVRIO. Serious and unexpected adverse events may occur that have not been previously reported with LAGEVRIO use. 5.1 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, LAGEVRIO may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant individuals. There are no available human data on the use of LAGEVRIO in pregnant individuals to evaluate the risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; therefore, LAGEVRIO is not recommended for use during pregnancy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS No contraindications have been identified based on the limited available data on the emergency use of LAGEVRIO authorized under this EUA.

Related Medications

Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.