Skip to main content

Merck Oral COVID-19 drug, Molnupiravir, Added to Formulary

Last updated on

On December 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Merck oral COVID-19 drug Molnupiravir for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults 18 or older. The medication is indicated to treat individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 and for whom alternative treatment options authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate. Molnupiravir requires a prescription and should be initiated after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within 5 days of symptom onset. This medication is not authorized for the prevention of COVID-19.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) added Molnupiravir to the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) formulary as a payable pharmacy benefit with an effective coverage date of December 27, 2021.

Drug Name

Dosage

Package Size

NDC

Molnupiravir EUA

200 mg

40 capsules

00006-5055-06

The dosage for Molnupiravir is 800 mg (four 200 mg capsules) taken orally every 12 hours for 5 days. According to the FDA, Molnupiravir is not authorized for individuals under 18 years old because it may affect bone and cartilage growth. Additionally, the FDA cautions that Molnupiravir might cause fetal harm in pregnant individuals and is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

No ingredient cost is associated with the medication because the federal government has purchased treatment courses. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will distribute the drug to pharmacies. More information for health-care providers on Molnupiravir can be found at DSHS Therapeutics, including a map of pharmacies where Molnupiravir has been distributed for the week of 12/27/2021 and an update on the Recently Authorized Therapeutics for COVID-19. This site will be updated as DSHS distributes additional allocations of Molnupiravir in the coming weeks.

Email vdp-formulary@hhsc.state.tx.us with questions or comments.