Baloxavir Marboxil is an oral medication used for the treatment of flu or influenza. This is used if your symptoms started less than 48 hours ago. This helps make the symptoms less severe and may shorten the recovery time by 1-2 days. Some of the symptoms include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- Aches
- Tiredness
- Chills/fever
Baloxavir Marboxil is an antiviral PA endonuclease inhibitor. In October 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this prescription.
How does Baloxavir Marboxil work?
Baloxavir Marboxil is a prodrug that is converted by hydrolysis to baloxavir. It is the active form that exerts anti-influenza virus activity. The drug inhibits the endonuclease activity of the polymerase acidic (PA) protein. PA is an influenza virus-specific enzyme in the viral RNA polymerase complex required for viral gene transcription. It results in the inhibition of influenza virus replication. Viruses with reduced susceptibility to baloxavir have amino acid substitutions in the PA protein.
How to use Baloxavir Marboxil?
The recommended dosage for this treatment depends on your condition, weight, age, and response.
- Adults weighing 80kg or more – 80mg as a single dose. Taken by mouth within 48hours of symptoms onset.
- Adults weighing 40-70kg – 40mg as a single dose.
- Children and Adolescents 12 years and older weighing 80kg or more – 80mg as a single dose. Given within 48hours of symptoms onset.
- Children and Adolescents 12 years and older weighing 40-79kg – 40mg as a single dose.
To avoid complications, follow your doctor’s prescription promptly. Make an effort to take this medication at the same time each day. Even if you already feel fine, continue taking the medicine until the full prescription is finished. Consult your doctor first before stopping this medication. Inform your healthcare team if your condition does not improve. Tell them if you develop new symptoms during or after the treatment.
What are the side-effects of Baloxavir Marboxil?
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough
If any of these side effects persist or do not go away for weeks, contact your doctor right away.
What are the precautions in taking Baloxavir Marboxil?
- Let your doctor know if you have any allergies or if you had an allergic reaction to this medicine.
- Consult your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is not known whether this will harm an unborn baby. However, having influenza during pregnancy can cause severe complications that might harm both the baby and the mother. The benefit of taking this medication may outweigh any risks.
- Do not take a product that contains zinc, iron, calcium or magnesium may make this medication not work well.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications or if you will be having certain surgeries.
- Do not take Baloxavir Marboxil along with dairy products such as milk or yogurt or with calcium-fortified drinks.
- If you feel worse or develop new symptoms while taking this medicine or if your flu symptoms do not start to get better, call your doctor.
- Tell also your doctor if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccines.
