What is Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)?
Baloxavir marboxil, sold under the brand name Xofluza, is an antiviral medication used to treat acute uncomplicated influenza A and B. It belongs to the class of cap-dependent endonucleases. Baloxavir marboxil works by selectively inhibiting the replication of influenza virus RNA, reducing viral titers, and alleviating symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills, and fatigue. The medication is administered orally in a single dose for patients aged 12 years and older.
What is Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) used for?
Baloxavir marboxil, marketed as Xofluza, is an antiviral medication developed by Genentech and Shionogi. It was approved by the US FDA in 2018 for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza due to A/B virus types in patients one year of age and older.
Xofluza works by inhibiting the endonuclease enzyme of the influenza A and B viruses, which is essential for viral replication. This mechanism of action targets a previously untargeted step in the viral lifecycle, making Baloxavir marboxil an effective treatment option against seasonal and pandemic flu strains. It is typically administered as a single oral dose on Day 1 of symptom onset or diagnosis, with optional second and third doses if symptoms persist or worsen.
The unique aspect of Xofluza lies in its ability to rapidly terminate viral replication, reducing the duration and severity of influenza infection. Studies have shown that Baloxavir marboxil significantly shortens recovery time compared to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and also exhibits a favorable safety profile with low rates of adverse events.
Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) side effects
• Diarrhea • Nausea • Vomiting • Abdominal pain • Dizziness • Headache • Fatigue • Increased blood pressure • Injection site reactions • Skin rash • Sinusitis • Pharyngitis • Cough • Upper respiratory tract infections • Infusion site reactions (with co-administration with other medications) • Severe skin and hypersensitivity reactions (very rare)
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