Assessment of the potential interactions between favipiravir and radiocontrast agents

Abstract

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.