Warning on corona capsules: Molnupiravir should be given to the elderly, but not to women between the ages of 15 and 45; it's dangerous for them

The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) has given a big piece of advice on the use of the antiviral drug molnupiravir on Tuesday. NTAGI Chairman Dr. N.K. Arora said that Molnupiravir drug saves patients from hospitalization and admission to ICU.

He said that this medicine should be given to the elderly. Especially those elderly people who are already suffering from serious diseases. However, at the same time, he also advised that this drug should not be given to those of reproductive age. He has also warned that the unnecessary use of molnupiravir can prove to be dangerous.

In December last year, the Health Ministry had approved the emergency use of this anti-viral drug. Health experts claim that this drug is also effective on the new variant of Corona, Omicron.

Molnupiravir is an oral drug, not a vaccine

Molanupiravir was designed for patients with cold and flu. It is not a vaccine, but an oral drug. It is made by the pharma company Merck and Ridgeback. Now it is also being used on corona patients.

It will be given to serious patients above 18 years of age infected with corona. The drug Molnupiravir prevents photocopying by altering the genetic code of the virus. This is a course of capsules.

How effective is molnupiravir?

According to Dr. Ravi Dosi of Bhandari Hospital, Indore, patients who had initial symptoms were given Molnupiravir, an improvement was seen in the condition. Doctors believe that if it is given in the beginning, then the infection can be prevented from spreading further. In this condition, this medicine is 70% to 80% effective.

It is being used in America and Britain

Molanupiravir is currently being used in the UK and the US. British health agencies claim that it is safe and effective. In India, this capsule will be given only to those patients whose oxygen level is more than 93% and who have severe symptoms of the corona. It cannot be given without a doctor's prescription.

PaxLovid is being given to those above 12 years of age in America

The US has also approved Pfizer's Covid-19 drug Paxlovid. This is the world's first oral antiviral pill to fight corona. A day after the approval of Paxlovid, the US also approved molnupiravir. Paxlovid can be given to children under 12 years of age and adults in case of serious illness.