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Who can and cannot take molnupiravir

Who can take molnupiravir

Adults aged 18 years and older can take molnupiravir.

You may be eligible for molnupiravir if all of these apply:

Show people at highest risk

You may be at highest risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if you:

  • are aged 85 years or over
  • have end-stage heart failure and have a long-term ventricular assistance device
  • are resident in a care home and are aged 70 years or over
  • are resident in a care home and have a BMI of 35 or more, or have diabetes or heart failure
  • have Down's syndrome, or another chromosomal condition that affects your immune system
  • have certain types of cancer, or had treatment for certain types of cancer
  • have sickle cell disease
  • have certain conditions affecting your blood, including some types of blood cancer
  • have chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5, including people on dialysis
  • have severe liver disease
  • have had an organ transplant or are on the organ transplant waiting list
  • have certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
  • have HIV or AIDS and have a weakened immune system
  • have a condition affecting your immune system
  • have a condition affecting the brain or nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, motor neurone disease, myasthenia gravis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease or certain types of dementia
  • have certain lung conditions or treatments for lung conditions

This list is a summary and does not cover everything.

If you're unsure if you are eligible, speak to your GP or hospital specialist who can advise you.

Find out more about people at the highest risk who are eligible for COVID-19 treatment on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website.

Who may not be able to take molnupiravir

Molnupiravir is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor before starting to take this medicine if you:

  • are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
  • have ever had an allergic reaction to molnupiravir or any other medicine

Page last reviewed: 21 December 2021
Next review due: 21 December 2024