Is there a shortage of access to the drug which reduces deaths from COVID-19

It is reported that there is a shortage of access to molnupiravire, the only antiviral we have, used in Covid-19 patients over the age of 65 and in the at-risk group, in some regions. Molnupiravir is said to reduce the severe course and mortality in the over-65 and at-risk groups.

According to the Ministry of Health’s Covid-19 data for July 11-17, the infection continues to climb. The number of cases per week has increased by 93 percent. The average number of cases per day exceeded 32 thousand. The number of deaths per week increased by 3.1 times compared to the previous week. The weekly death toll is back at the end of April. It is estimated that the real picture is much higher than the official figures.

A Clinical microbiology and infectious diseases specialist has forwarded the question “Is Molnupiravir over? If yes, why?” to the Ministry of health officials.

“I would like to ask the authorities why the drug Molnupiravir which can be used in the mild period of the onset of the disease for those over the age of 65 and those at risk, cannot be reached.”

Molnupiravir, the first drug for Covid-19 that has completed all clinical studies, was also put into use in Turkey with the Ministry of Health Covid-19 guidance published on February 12, 2022. Accordingly, it is recommended to use it regardless of the vaccination status in patients with a definitive diagnosis by PCR, mild to moderate course, in the first five days of symptoms and at high risk of progression to severe Covid-19.