Live Updates: Tracking Fills for Cold, Flu, and COVID Treatments
This flu season, GoodRx Research is tracking fills of prescription medications that treat influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Lagevrio
Used for COVID-19
Used for COVID-19
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.
When does Lagevrio (molnupiravir) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Lagevrio |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antiviral |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Not FDA-approved yet |
More on Lagevrio (molnupiravir) essentials
Side effects of Lagevrio (molnupiravir)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: feeling faint, dizziness, trouble breathing, swelling in the face, swollen tongue, difficulty swallowing, itchy skin, rash, hives, nausea, vomiting
More on Lagevrio (molnupiravir) side effects
The following Lagevrio (molnupiravir) 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):
Get your GoodRx coupon
$1228.65
GoodRx discount
$1011.18
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.
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
The average cost for 40 capsules of 200mg of Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is $1,011.18 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 17.70% off the average retail price of $1,228.65. 
Capsule
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200mg | 40 capsules | $1,011.18 | $25.28 |
Typical dosage 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
How much does Lagevrio (molnupiravir) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Lagevrio (brand)
$1,011.18
What are alternatives to Lagevrio (molnupiravir)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Lagevrio (molnupiravir). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Used for:
Treatment of COVID-19 infection in people aged 28 days or older and weigh at least 3 kg (6.6 lbs), and are either: - Hospitalized or - Not hospitalized but have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19
News about Lagevrio (molnupiravir)
Can You Take Cold and Flu Medications Like Mucinex to Treat COVID-19?
Cold and flu medications can’t treat COVID-19, but they could help with some of the symptoms. Here’s some of the best OTC medicines to take for COVID.
Lagevrio Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide
Read on for Lagevrio dosage information, including typical dosage, treatment length, and what to do if you miss a dose.
Lagevrio (Molnupiravir) vs. Paxlovid: How Do They Compare for COVID-19?
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) and Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) are both oral antiviral medications that treat COVID-19. Compare their efficacy and side effects here.
How to Find the COVID-19 Pills Paxlovid and Lagevrio
Learn about COVID-19 antiviral pills Paxlovid and Lagevrio. Find out how these treatments work, how much they cost, and where to get them.
5 Molnupiravir Side Effects You Should Know About
Molnupiravir is an oral COVID-19 medication. It may cause some minor side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness.
