Rapid review and meta-analysis of adverse events associated with molnupiravir in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety profile of molnupiravir in COVID-19 patients. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, medRxive and Google Scholar were searched for articles published up to April 25, 2022. Meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results: Four trials involving 2241 patients met the inclusion criteria. No significant difference was observed between molnupiravir at 200, 400 and 800 mg compared with placebo (200 mg: risk ratio [RR] = 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–1.20; P =.80; 400 mg: RR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.64–1.02; P =.07; 800 mg: RR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.83–1.06; P =.36) for any adverse events (AEs); at 200, 400 and 800 mg compared with placebo (200 mg: RR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.41–1.63; P =.57; 400 mg: RR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.41–1.61; P =.56; 800 mg: RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.59–1.08; P =.15) for serious adverse events; at 200, 400 and 800 mg compared with placebo (200 mg: RR = 1.74; 95% CI: 0.48–6.30; P =.39; 400 mg: RR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.28–4.09; P =.91; 800 mg: RR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.17–1.28; P =.14) for AEs leading to death; and at 200, 400 and 800 mg compared with placebo (200 mg: RR = 1.50; 95% CI: 0.26–8.55; P =.64; 400 mg: RR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.17–5.68; P =.99; 800 mg: RR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.31–1.23; P =.17) for treatment discontinuation due to AEs. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that the use of three doses of molnupiravir (200, 400 and 800 mg) is safe for COVID-19 patients. Further research is needed to confirm the present findings.