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Join on Telegram Tayeb Hamdi, Moroccan medical researcher in health policies and systems is satisfied with Morocco’s adoption of Molunipiravir to treat COVID patients amid the ongoing surge in cases, but he warns that the medicine can’t replace vaccination despite its reported effectiveness in preventing severe infections.
“The three-dose vaccination protects against infection and over 90% against hospitalization and severe forms” of the COVID-19 virus, he emphasized.
The health professional expressed satisfaction with Morocco’s decision to use Molnupiravir and other anti-COVID pills to face the recent spike in infections.
By becoming one of the first countries worldwide to allow the use of the Molnupiravir, Morocco has “stood out for its anticipatory and proactive approach” to the latest COVID wave, Hamdi argued.
He emphasized that the recently adopted pills are a “long awaited new tool” in the fight against the pandemic.
Explaining the function of the pills, Hamdi said that they act mainly as an “antiviral” used for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.
The medicine is useful for adults who have at least one risk factor for developing severe COVID cases; this includes the elderly, people with diabetes, and those who suffer from high blood pressure.
It is also useful for people who suffer from obesity, Hamdi explained, further arguing that one of the benefits of such a drug is that it makes it possible to avoid three hospitalizations out of 10 if taken on time.
Regarding recommended doses, he said that patients should take four capsules twice a day for five days.
But the medication is not recommended for everyone, with pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under 18 reported to be among people who may be allergic to Moluupiravir or some of its ingredients. The drug is also associated with side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and headache.
