Lagevrio is an an oral treatment for COVID-19 in adults at risk of severe illness1
What is Lagevrio?
Lagevrio contains the active ingredient molnupiravir and is used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalisation. Lagevrio may help you to stay out of hospital and feel better.1
When to take Lagevrio?
If your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed or provided Lagevrio for you, it should be taken as soon as possible and within 5 days of developing COVID-19 symptoms.2
The most common side effects of Lagevrio are:1
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Other side effects may also occur rarely, and as with any prescription drug, some side effects may be serious. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly about these or any other unusual symptoms.1
Allergic Reactions
Do not take Lagevrio if you are allergic to molnupiravir or any of the other ingredients. Allergic reactions can happen in people taking Lagevrio. Stop taking Lagevrio and call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these symptoms: hives, rapid heartbeat, trouble swallowing or breathing, swelling of the mouth, lips, or face, throat tightness, hoarseness, skin rash.1
Lagevrio is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding
Lagevrio is not recommended in pregnancy. Discuss the need for a pregnancy test with your doctor or pharmacist if you are of childbearing potential and sexually active. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while you are taking Lagevrio and for 4 days after the last dose of Lagevrio.1
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of Lagevrio.1
If you are a male who is sexually active with a partner who could become pregnant, use a reliable method of contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of Lagevrio.1
Lagevrio® (molnupiravir) is available for eligible patients with COVID-19 following a consultation with a doctor or pharmacist.
If you test positive for COVID-19, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if Lagevrio is right for you. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your healthcare professional.
Lagevrio is free of charge for certain patients with COVID-19 – restrictions apply. Lagevrio can also be purchased privately, and a charge will apply.
Please read the Lagevrio Consumer Medicine Information (CMI), by clicking here.
Information if you have been prescribed or provided Lagevrio
How to take Lagevrio
Take Lagevrio exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you1
Take 4 capsules of Lagevrio every 12 hours (for example, at 8 am and at 8 pm)1
Take Lagevrio for 5 days1
It is important that you complete the full 5 days of treatment with Lagevrio. Do not stop taking Lagevrio before you complete the full 5 days of treatment, even if you feel better.1
Take Lagevrio
with or without food1
If you forget to take Lagevrio
It is important that you do not miss or skip doses of this medicine.1
What to do if you miss a dose:
If it has been less than 10 hours since the missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember
If it has been more than 10 hours since the missed dose
Skip the missed dose and take your dose at the next scheduled time
Do not double the dose of Lagevrio to make up for the missed dose. If you are not sure what to do, call your doctor or pharmacist.1
Know the symptoms of severe illness from COVID-19
Symptoms can include one or more of the following3:
- new or worsening cough
- temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste
- sneezing and runny nose
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- fever
- fatigue/feeling of tiredness
Less common symptoms of COVID-19 may include diarrhoea, headache, muscle pain or body aches, nausea, vomiting, malaise, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain or confusion/irritability. These almost always occur with one or more of the common symptoms.3
Know the risk factors for severe illness from COVID-19:4
While older adults are at a greater risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19, some medical conditions can put a person of any age at increased risk of severe COVID-19. Here are some of the risk factors to look out for. These are not the only conditions that can increase your risk for severe illness. For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Active cancer
Morbid obesity (BMI greater than 35)
Compromised immunity
Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic lung disease
Serious heart conditions
High blood pressure
The information on this website should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist and does not replace their advice.
Where to get a test for COVID-19
You can pick up free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from COVID-19 testing centers and collection sites. Your doctor may also offer COVID-19 tests.
References:
- Lagevrio Consumer Medicine Information, www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/CMI/l/lageviro.pdf
- Lagevrio Data Sheet
- Unite Against COVID-19. COVID-19 symptoms. Available at: https://covid19.govt.nz/prepare-and-stay-safe/about-covid-19/covid-19-symptoms/ Accessed on 24th February 2023.
- Unite Against COVID-19. People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. https://covid19.govt.nz/prepare-and-stay-safe/people-at-higher-risk-of-severe-illness-from-covid-19. Accessed on 24th February 2023.