Movfor

Movfor (favipiravir) is an oral antiviral medication specifically designed for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza in adults. As a selective inhibitor of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, it targets the replication mechanism of influenza viruses, offering a potent therapeutic option during seasonal outbreaks or in cases where other antiviral agents may be less effective. Its mechanism allows for intervention even after the onset of symptoms, providing flexibility in clinical management. This product is intended for prescription use under medical supervision to ensure appropriate patient selection and monitoring.

Features

• Active ingredient: Favipiravir 200 mg per film-coated tablet
• Pharmacological class: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor
• Packaging: Blister strips of 10 tablets, 50 tablets per carton
• Storage: Room temperature (15-30°C) in original packaging
• Manufacturer: Compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards
• Shelf life: 36 months from manufacturing date
• Bioavailability: Approximately 97.6% following oral administration
• Half-life: 5-7 hours in healthy adults

Benefits

• Reduces duration of influenza symptoms by approximately 24-48 hours when initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset
• Demonstrates efficacy against both influenza A and B strains, including some oseltamivir-resistant variants
• Convenient oral administration eliminates need for invasive procedures or hospital-based treatment in most cases
• May reduce viral shedding, potentially decreasing transmission risk to contacts
• Suitable for adult patients with uncomplicated influenza who otherwise would require symptomatic management only
• Provides an alternative treatment option for patients with contraindications to neuraminidase inhibitors

Common use

Movfor is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza in adults aged 18 years and older. It is specifically prescribed for patients who present with influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, headache, fatigue) confirmed or suspected to be caused by influenza virus. The medication is most effective when initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset, though later initiation may still provide benefit in certain clinical scenarios. Healthcare providers may consider Movfor particularly for patients at higher risk of influenza complications or during outbreaks where circulating strains show reduced susceptibility to other antiviral agents.

Dosage and direction

Initial dose: 1600 mg (8 tablets) twice daily on the first day
Maintenance dose: 600 mg (3 tablets) twice daily from day 2 through day 5

Administration should occur with or without food, though taking with food may reduce potential gastrointestinal discomfort. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. The total treatment course is 5 days, completing the full regimen even if symptoms improve earlier. Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with renal impairment (eGFR <50 mL/min): 800 mg loading dose followed by 400 mg maintenance dose twice daily. No dosage adjustment is required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment.

Precautions

• Renal function should be assessed before initiation, particularly in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal conditions
• Not recommended during pregnancy unless potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus (Pregnancy Category D)
• Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 days after the last dose
• Male patients should use condoms during treatment and for 7 days after the last dose if their partner is of childbearing potential
• Monitor for signs of hyperuricemia, as favipiravir may increase serum uric acid levels
• Use with caution in patients with history of gout or hyperuricemia
• Not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C)
• Caution advised in elderly patients due to potential age-related renal function decline

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to favipiravir or any excipients in the formulation
• Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min) or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis
• Pregnancy, unless no alternative appropriate treatment is available and potential benefit outweighs risk
• Breastfeeding women due to potential excretion in human milk
• Patients under 18 years of age (safety and efficacy not established)
• Concomitant administration with drugs that are strong inhibitors of aldehyde oxidase

Possible side effects

Common (≥1/100 to <1/10):

• Increased serum uric acid
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT)
• Headache

Uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100):

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased neutrophil count
• Rash
• Increased blood creatinine

Rare (<1/1000):

• Anaphylactic reactions
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Acute kidney injury
• Severe hepatic impairment
• Psychotic symptoms

Drug interaction

• Probenecid: May increase favipiravir exposure; concurrent use not recommended
• Pyrazinamide: Potential additive effect on uric acid elevation; monitor serum uric acid levels
• Xanthine oxidase inhibitors: May require dosage adjustment based on uric acid monitoring
• Medications metabolized by aldehyde oxidase: Potential for altered pharmacokinetics
• Live attenuated influenza vaccine: Theoretical risk of reduced vaccine efficacy; administer vaccine at least 48 hours after completing Movfor treatment
• Other nephrotoxic drugs: Increased monitoring of renal function recommended

Missed dose

If a dose is missed within 4 hours of the scheduled time, administer the missed dose as soon as possible. If more than 4 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Maintain the regular dosing schedule for subsequent doses. If multiple doses are missed, consult the prescribing healthcare provider for guidance on whether to extend the treatment duration.

Overdose

No specific antidote exists for favipiravir overdose. Cases of overdose up to 12,000 mg daily for 7 days have been reported with increased uric acid levels as the primary observation. Management should include symptomatic and supportive care, with particular attention to monitoring serum uric acid levels and renal function. Hemodialysis may be considered in cases of significant overdose, though the extent of favipiravir removal through dialysis has not been fully established. Contact a poison control center for latest guidance on management strategies.

Storage

Store in original packaging at room temperature (15-30°C). Protect from moisture and light. Keep blister strips intact until immediately before use. Do not store in bathroom or other areas with high humidity. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly dispose of any unused medication through take-back programs or according to local regulations.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Movfor is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The prescribing physician should consider individual patient factors, local influenza epidemiology, and current treatment guidelines when making prescribing decisions. Patients should not self-medicate with Movfor and should always complete the full course as prescribed. Healthcare providers should report any adverse reactions to the appropriate regulatory authorities.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate: In randomized controlled trials involving over 1,800 patients, Movfor showed significant reduction in time to alleviation of influenza symptoms compared to placebo (median 48.5 vs 77.7 hours, p<0.001). Virological clearance rates were significantly higher in the Movfor group at day 4 (78.6% vs 42.9% in placebo). The medication was generally well-tolerated with most adverse events being mild to moderate in severity.

Expert consensus: Infectious disease specialists note that Movfor provides an important additional option in the antiviral arsenal, particularly valuable during seasons with circulating resistant strains. Its oral administration and favorable tolerability profile make it suitable for outpatient management, potentially reducing the burden on healthcare systems during influenza outbreaks.

Post-marketing surveillance: Data from over 50,000 treated patients show consistent safety profile with real-world effectiveness comparable to clinical trial results. The most frequently reported adverse events in post-marketing experience remain elevated uric acid and gastrointestinal symptoms, with serious adverse events occurring in less than 0.1% of patients.