Paxlovid will likely not make much difference for low or standard risk patients, but taking it early could reduce hospitalization or death risk and prevent worsened symptoms from worsening further. The medicine works best when taken within five days of symptoms appearing.
Some doctors are pro-actively prescribing medications to ensure people receive them before supplies run out; others wait until individuals test positive at an STI testing location or home kit and then prescribe.
What Does Paxlovid Do?
Paxlovid, an oral antiviral medication, effectively combats mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19 in adults and children aged 12 and above, with a minimum weight requirement of 88 pounds. This medication is a combination of two distinct drugs, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, expertly bundled together.
By obstructing the replication of the coronavirus within the body, Paxlovid significantly curtails the viral load, diminishing the likelihood of the disease progressing to severe symptoms or necessitating hospitalization.
The prescribed course of Paxlovid entails twice-daily ingestion over a span of five days, ideally commencing within five days of the initial onset of symptoms.
In May 2023, the FDA granted full approval to this drug for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in high-risk adults, encompassing the threat of hospitalization and mortality. Paxlovid is exclusively available by prescription, obtainable either from a healthcare provider or through the Test to Treat initiative.
The Role of Paxlovid in Mild COVID-Cases
Appropriate Use
Paxlovid medication works only if taken as soon as a positive test for COVID-19 occurs and within five days after experiencing symptoms, not to prevent infection prior to or following exposure, nor prevent complications caused by COVID-19 if you’ve never been vaccinated against it.
Adults 65 and over are most prone to experiencing severe COVID symptoms; however, Yale Medicine infectious diseases experts report that many primary care doctors hesitate to prescribe Paxlovid due to worries over drug interactions or believing people can simply ride out their symptoms without treatment.
Paxlovid can be obtained from licensed pharmacists with a valid prescription from your physician. For an easier experience, your physician should provide a list of medications and their dosages that can help the pharmacist dispense Paxlovid more safely and help avoid potentially harmful drug interactions.
In addition, be sure to bring along copies of recent blood tests or medical records for inclusion with Paxlovid.
Effectiveness
Paxlovid from Pfizer contains two medications — nirmatrelvir and ritonavir — proven most effective at relieving COVID-19 symptoms among those at high risk. Taken twice daily for five days, real-world studies showed people who took Paxlovid within five days of experiencing symptoms had 51% lower hospitalization rates compared with those who did not take the pill.
Paxlovid also boasts an excellent safety record and has proven effective against Omicron, the current strain circulating. The FDA granted approval in May for emergency use authorization on adults aged 12 or over who weigh at least 88 pounds experiencing mild symptoms or who are at an increased risk for severe disease, hospitalization or death from Omicron infection.
People at risk can access medication via various sources, including Test to Treat sites and online; an at-home testing kit; or using their insurance as copay. For insured people it’s free; for uninsured it requires payment of a copay fee.
Potential Risks
As with any medication, Paxlovid does have risks. In particular, it could interact with several different drugs and cause toxicities; among these include organ anti-rejection medicines taken by transplant patients as well as blood thinners like Xarelto (generic rivaroxaban). Paxlovid can also decrease metabolism of certain HIV medicines which could increase drug resistance over time.
Some individuals experiencing mild symptoms experience side effects such as diarrhoea, vomiting and an unpleasant taste in their mouth known as dysgeusia. These issues may make eating difficult but should disappear with treatment.
As a result of these issues, some experts believe that antiviral medication is being overprescribed, particularly to people without high risks from Omicron-like strains that have recently emerged in circulation. Further investigation should be conducted into its efficacy against more dangerous strains of influenza A virus.
Side Effects
Paxlovid can provide effective care for those at high risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms, including hospitalization and death. Available as a prescription, this five-day course of Paxlovid is now being provided free by Walgreens to anyone tested positive and having access to health care provider. CVS pharmacies may also fill these prescription if accompanied with medical records and lists of medications being taken by you.
Pfizer’s drug Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir, commonly referred to as Paxlovid, combines two drugs that target different parts of HIV.
Nirmatrelvir is an oval-shaped pink pill which stops replicating itself while Ritonavir, an off-white or white pill boosts its activity and may cause bitter or metallic taste in mouth, stomach distress and diarrhea; people can take this medication with or without food and may experience side effects including bitter or metallic tastes in mouth as well as nausea or diarrhea; not recommended for people with kidney disease or liver issues nor with history of allergic reaction, so anyone breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider prior to using this medicine.
Should I Take Paxlovid If My Symptoms Are Mild?
The FDA authorized Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, for emergency use in treating mild to moderate non-hospitalized adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older at high risk of severe COVID-19. The recommended dosage involves oral intake of 300 mg nirmatrelvir with 100 mg ritonavir twice daily for 5 days.
According to a CDC study, individuals who took Paxlovid within five days of a COVID-19 diagnosis experienced a 51% reduction in hospitalization rates within the subsequent 30 days, unlike those who did not receive the drug. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that Paxlovid is still undergoing study, and not all potential risks associated with the medication are currently understood.
The FDA states that the most prevalent side effects of Paxlovid encompass a compromised sense of taste (such as a metallic taste in the mouth) and diarrhea. These side effects are generally mild and may include changes in taste perception, diarrhea, elevated blood pressure, or muscle discomfort.
Consulting your doctor regarding Paxlovid’s suitability for your specific case is crucial. Typically, young and healthy individuals without underlying health conditions do not necessitate Paxlovid treatment and can effectively manage their symptoms with “supportive care” like rest and hydration. Timely testing and prompt medical attention upon symptom onset are pivotal since treatment with Paxlovid must commence within five days of symptom appearance.
In conclusion, if you are experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms and are at high risk of severe illness, Paxlovid could be a potential option for you. Nonetheless, discussing the medication’s appropriateness, as well as potential interactions and side effects, with your doctor is essential.
