Guidance

Patient information for Molnupiravir

Updated 4 May 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-antiviral-treatment-molnupiravir/patient-information-for-molnupiravir

Molnupiravir is an antiviral medicine that stops SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) from multiplying in the body. This keeps virus levels in the body low and helps the immune system to overcome the viral infection.

Please make sure that you complete a 5-day course of this medicine, even if your symptoms improve and/or you feel better, to reduce the chances of a treatment-resistant version of the virus developing.

As you have tested positive for COVID-19, please make sure that you follow the current government guidance on self-isolation and testing.

Information on pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or a person of childbearing potential, please read the following carefully.

There are currently no data on the use of Molnupiravir in pregnancy and so it is not recommended during pregnancy.

If you are able to become pregnant you must use effective contraception for the duration of treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of Molnupiravir.

If you find out that you are pregnant, or became pregnant while taking Molnupiravir, or shortly after, please report this by contacting the UK COVID-19 Antivirals in Pregnancy Registry on 0344 892 0909 or by asking your doctor to do this on your behalf. For more information go to the COVID-19 Antivirals Pregnancy Registry. In addition, please inform your doctor as you will need to be followed up closely.

If you are breastfeeding, you should stop breastfeeding during the course of treatment and for 4 days after completion of treatment. .

Side effects

Like all medicines, Molnupiravir can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short term, and not everyone gets them.

Reporting side effects

Report any suspected side effects to the Yellow Card scheme using the dedicated Coronavirus Yellow Card reporting site or the Yellow Card app.

  1. Speak to your healthcare professional for advice if you are worried about your health.
  2. Check the patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine. You can also find this information on the MHRA Coronavirus Yellow Card reporting site.
  3. Report side effects on the MHRA Coronavirus Yellow Care reporting site or use the Yellow Card app.
  4. If unsure or in doubt, report it anyway as only a suspicion of a side effect to the medicine is needed to report.
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