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Assessment of the potential interactions between favipiravir and radiocontrast agents
Sonay Aydin1, Ozlem Celik Aydin2, Mesut Furkan Yazar3
1Department of Radiology, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan 24100, Türkiye. sonaydin89@hotmail.com.
Background:
In cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), favipiravir is commonly included to the therapy regimen. Drug interactions between favipiravir and other COVID-19 therapy drugs are frequently researched. However, no research on possible drug interactions between Favipiravir and radiocontrast agents, which have become almost crucial in diagnostic processes while not being part of the treatment, has been found.
Aim:
To determine potential medication interactions between Favipiravir and radiocontrast agents.
Methods:
The study comprised patients who were taking Favipiravir for COVID-19 therapy and underwent a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test while taking the medicine. The computerized patient files of the cases included in the study, as well as the pharmacovigilance forms in the designated hospital, were evaluated for this purpose.
Results:
The study included the evaluation of data from 1046 patients. The study sample's mean age was 47.23 ± 9.48 years. The mean age of cases with drug interactions was statistically significant greater than that of cases with no drug interactions (P = 0.003). When evaluated with logistic regression analysis, a 1-year raises in age increases the risk of developing drug interactions by 1.63 times (P = 0.023). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of medication interactions between the sexes (P = 0.090). Possible medication interactions were discovered in 42 cases (4%).
Conclusion:
The findings of this study revealed that the most notable findings as a result of the combined use of contrast agents and favipiravir were increased creatinine and transaminase values, as well as an increase in the frequency of nausea and vomiting. The majority of drug interactions discovered were modest enough that they were not reflected in the clinic. Drug interactions become more common as people get older.
Insights
This study found that older patients taking favipiravir (a COVID-19 drug) and radiocontrast agents experienced mild drug interactions, including elevated creatinine and nausea. Age was a significant risk factor for these interactions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Favipiravir is a common treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- Drug interactions with favipiravir are well-researched, but interactions with radiocontrast agents are not.
- Radiocontrast agents are crucial for diagnostic imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential medication interactions between favipiravir and radiocontrast agents.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1046 patients receiving favipiravir for COVID-19.
- Patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT or MRI scans during favipiravir treatment.
- Data evaluated from computerized patient files and pharmacovigilance forms.
Main Results:
- 4% of patients (42 cases) showed possible medication interactions.
- Increased age was significantly associated with a higher risk of drug interactions (1.63 times per year increase).
- No significant difference in interaction occurrence was found between sexes.
Conclusions:
- Combined use of favipiravir and contrast agents may lead to increased creatinine and transaminase levels, and more nausea/vomiting.
- Most discovered drug interactions were clinically mild.
- The frequency of drug interactions increases with age.
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