Lagevrio (molnupiravir)

Adults who have COVID-19 confirmed by positive nucleic acid test result or medically verified RAT, who are not hospitalised for COVID-19 at the time of prescribing and who can start treatment within five days of symptom onset, can be prescribed PBS-subsidised Lagevrio if:

• treatment must be for use when nirmatrelvir & ritonavir (Paxlovid) is contraindicated

AND

• they are 70 years of age or older*
• they are 18 years of age or older and moderately to severely immunocompromised**, with risk of progression to severe COVID-19 disease due to the immunocompromised status OR have experienced past COVID-19 infection resulting in hospitalisation AND have at least one sign or symptom attributable to COVID-19
• they identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, and are 30 years of age or older, are at high risk and have at least one sign or symptom attributable to COVID-19***
• they are 50 years of age and are at high risk***

When prescribing Lagevrio via the PBS, ensure the patient meets the eligibility criteria outlined on the PBS listing.

The standard dose of Lagevrio is 800 mg (administered as four 200 mg capsules), taken every 12 hours for five days, with or without food.

Lagevrio should be taken regularly at the same time each day. If a dose is missed and it has been less than 10 hours since the last dose the patient can take it as soon as it is remembered. If it has been more than 10 hours since the missed dose this should be skipped, and the next dose taken at the scheduled time. A double dose should not be taken to make up for a missed dose. Patients should not stop taking Lagevrio without speaking to their GP or physician.

A person should not take Lagevrio if they are allergic to molnupiravir or any of the other ingredients listed in section 6.1 of the Product Information.

Lagevrio is not recommended during pregnancy.

People of childbearing potential should use effective contraception for the duration of treatment and for four days after the last dose of Lagevrio. Men who are sexually active with a person of childbearing potential should use an effective contraception during treatment and for three months after treatment with Lagevrio.

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for four days after the last dose of Lagevrio.

The most common side effects of Lagevrio are diarrhoea, nausea and dizziness. These side effects can lead to significant morbidity in frail and elderly patients, including dehydration, delirium and increased falls risk. It is important older people who are administered Lagevrio are closely monitored. Patients should be advised to speak with their GP or prescribing physician if they are concerned about any side effects while taking the medication.