Glenmark Pharmaceuticals' COVID-19 drug FabiFlu will only be administered under strict medical supervision.

FabiFlu is not an over-the-counter drug, and its sale will only be allowed on possession of a valid medical prescription by a doctor.

FabiFlu is not an over-the-counter drug, and its sale will only be allowed on possession of a valid medical prescription by a doctor.On June 19, 2020, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals received approval for the marketing and manufacturing of antiviral drug Favipiravir from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). The oral drug will be sold under the brand name FabiFlu, for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 symptoms.

FabiFlu tablets will be available for sale in hospitals and retail pharmacies across the country by early next week. It is to be administered under strict medical supervision and will not be available over-the-counter.

It can be used on patients with comorbid conditions such as diabetes and heart disease but is not recommended for those suffering from severe kidney or liver ailments, pregnant and lactating women.

The drug manufacturer said Favipiravir has shown clinical improvement of up to 88 percent in mild to moderate COVID-19 cases and offers a rapid reduction in viral load within four days. The drug has also been used in Russia, Japan, and China to treat COVID-19 patients and has proved successful, according to the company.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.