Lagevrio
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is an antiviral medication that was given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA in December 2021 to treat people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. It's a capsule that's taken by mouth and a full course of treatment only lasts 5 days. Most people don't have many side effects with Lagevrio (molnupiravir). But possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness. Lastly, this medication doesn't have any known medication interactions.
What is Lagevrio (molnupiravir)?
What is Lagevrio (molnupiravir) used for?
Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for severe illness and aren't able to receive other FDA-authorized treatments
How Lagevrio (molnupiravir) works
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is a nucleoside analog that treats COVID-19 by targeting the virus. It works by disrupting the process that the virus uses to make copies of itself. This means the virus won't be able to make any more copies of itself to further spread infection.
Drug Facts
More on Lagevrio (molnupiravir) essentials
Get your GoodRx coupon
What are the side effects of Lagevrio (molnupiravir)?
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea (2%)
Other Side Effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic reaction: feeling faint, dizziness, trouble breathing, swelling in the face, swollen tongue, difficulty swallowing, itchy skin, rash, hives, nausea, vomiting
Source: DailyMed
More on Lagevrio (molnupiravir) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Lagevrio (molnupiravir)
Pros
Can be taken at home, instead of needing to receive treatment at a facility
Taken by mouth, good for people who are afraid of needles
Only need to take it for 5 days
No known interactions with other medications
Cons
Not a first-choice medication for COVID-19
Need to take it within 5 days of getting sick with COVID-19
Can't be used in people with severe COVID-19 illness, including those who are hospitalized
Not recommended for people under age 18 years old because of high risk for bone and cartilage damage
Pharmacist tips for Lagevrio (molnupiravir)
You can take Lagevrio (molnupiravir) with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Don't chew, crush, or break the medication because it might not work as well.
For each dose of the medication, you should be taking four capsules total at one time. Each capsule contains 200 mg of Lagevrio (molnupiravir).
Finish your full 5-day course of Lagevrio (molnupiravir) even if you feel better before you're done. Stopping this medication too early can put you at risk for serious COVID-19 illness. Make sure to take steps to protect yourself and others while you're taking this medication in order to get well soon and to prevent others from getting sick with COVID-19.
If you miss a dose of Lagevrio (molnupiravir) and it's been less than 10 hours since the time you usually take it, then take your dose as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. But if more than 10 hours have passed since the time you usually take it, just skip this dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Never take two doses of the medication to make up for a missed dose.
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is prescribed for you only. Don't share it with others, even if they have similar symptoms as you. This medication might not be right for everyone.
If you're sexually active and able to have children, make sure to use birth control when you're taking Lagevrio (molnupiravir) because this medication might cause birth defects. Women are recommended to use birth control during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of Lagevrio (molnupiravir).
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) might cause damage to sperm. Men who are sexually active with women are recommended to use a form of birth control (e.g., condoms) during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of Lagevrio (molnupiravir).
If your COVID-19 symptoms get worse, get medical help right away. This medication won't prevent all COVID-19 cases from getting worse. Call 911 if you experience symptoms such as worsening cough, trouble breathing, chest pain that doesn't go away, confusion, hard time staying awake, and pale or blue-colored skin.
Frequently asked questions about Lagevrio (molnupiravir)
How to save using GoodRx
What are the risks and warnings for Lagevrio (molnupiravir)?
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Birth defects
Risk factors: Currently pregnant
Babies born to mothers who take Lagevrio (molnupiravir) during pregnancy might be at risk for birth defects. Because of this risk, your provider might ask you to take a pregnancy test before you start this medication. In some cases, your provider and you might decide the need to use Lagevrio (molnupiravir) during pregnancy outweighs its risks. If you decide to take this medication, you're highly encouraged to join the COVID-19 International Pregnancy Registry.
To prevent pregnancy while taking Lagevrio (molnupiravir), women who are able to have children should use birth control during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of Lagevrio (molnupiravir). Men who are sexually active with women should use birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of Lagevrio (molnupiravir).
Bone and cartilage damage
Risk factors: People under 18 years old
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) can't be used in people younger than 18 years old because it might cause bone and cartilage damage. Let your provider know if you have signs and symptoms of bone or cartilage damage, including joint or bone pain, swelling of the joints, and a clicking or grinding sensation in the joint.
Risk of serious allergic reaction
Though rare, some people have experienced serious allergic reactions after taking Lagevrio (molnupiravir). Get medical help right away if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, including swelling in the face, trouble breathing, and hives.
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200mg | 40 capsules | $993.24 | $24.83 |
Typical dosing for Lagevrio (molnupiravir)
The typical dose is 800 mg (taken as four 200 mg capsules) by mouth every 12 hours for 5 days.
More on Lagevrio (molnupiravir) dosage forms
How much does Lagevrio (molnupiravir) cost?
What are alternatives to Lagevrio (molnupiravir)?
Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for severe illness and aren't able to receive other FDA-authorized treatments
Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people 12 years and older (and weighing over 88 lbs) who are at high risk for severe illness
What is the latest news about Lagevrio (molnupiravir)?
Get savings updates for Lagevrio (molnupiravir)
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Lagevrio (molnupiravir) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
References
Best studies we foundBernal, A. J., e tal. (2022). Molnupiravir for Oral Treatment of Covid-19 in Nonhospitalized Patients. The New England Journal of Medicine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). People with Certain Medical Conditions.
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. (2023). LAGEVRIO- molnupiravir capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.
Pregistry, LLC. (n.d.) Covid-19 International Drug Pregnancy Registry (Covid-PR).
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2023). Frequently Asked Questions on the Emergency Use Authorization for Lagevrio (molnupiravir) for Treatment of COVID-19.
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.