Suspected Adverse Drug Events associated with use of Favipiravir Use in COVID-19

Favipiravir, an antiviral drug, is being used for COVID-19 treatment. It inhibits viral replication by arresting RNA polymerase. Although most of the preclinical safety and efficacy data for favipiravir are derived from the studies that have proven its antiviral activity against Ebola and influenza viruses, it has also shown efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the adverse drug events (ADEs) reported in the WHO pharmacovigilance database with use of Favipiravir and analysis was published today.

Total 194 ADEs reported from 93 patients. Around one-third of the ADEs were severe and four cases were fatal. Most frequent adverse events suspected to be caused by the favipiravir were increased in the hepatic enzymes, nausea and vomiting, tachycardia, and diarrhea. Blood and lymphatic disorders, cardiac disorders, hepatobiliary disorders, injury poisoning, and procedural complications were more common in those with severe ADEs than those with non-serious ADEs.

Article link: https://www.dovepress.com/favipiravir-use-in-covid-19-analysis-of-suspected-adverse-drug-events–peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IDR