Adverse effects associated with favipiravir in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Favipiravir is generally used in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the side effects of favipiravir and whether it is a good treatment option.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective study conducted in Atatürk Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

METHODS

357 patients who completed favipiravir treatment at the recommended dose were included. 37 patients with drug side effects and 320 patients without drug side effects were examined in two groups.

RESULTS

Side effects were observed in 37 (10.36%) out of 357 patients using favipiravir. The most common side effect was liver dysfunction, in 26 (7.28%) of the patients. The following other side effects were also observed: diarrhea (1.4%), nausea (0.84%), abdominal pain (0.28%) and thrombocytopenia (0.28%). One patient (0.28%) presented both increased transaminases and nausea.

CONCLUSION

In this study, it was determined that favipiravir may constitute an alternative for treating COVID-19 pneumonia given that its side effects are generally well tolerated and not serious.