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If you’ve examined constructive for COVID-19, you is perhaps questioning if it’s essential to take an antiviral medicine, similar to Paxlovid.
Pfizer’s Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) gained full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 25, 2023.
Another drug, Lagevrio (molnupiravir), is permitted for emergency use by the FDA below an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) — however doesn’t have full approval.
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As famous on Pfizer’s web site, Paxlovid is meant for the therapy of gentle to reasonable COVID signs to stop extreme sickness, hospitalization or demise in high-risk people.
Paxlovid, which should be prescribed by a physician, works finest when taken inside 5 days of a COVID analysis or when the primary signs seem, in line with Sean Marchese, a registered nurse at The Mesothelioma Center in Florida, who has a background in oncology scientific trials.
Sean Marchese, a registered nurse at The Mesothelioma Center in Florida, supplied steerage on when to take Paxlovid after a COVID analysis. (Sean Marchese/Getty Images)
“Patients should take the medication as soon as possible if they know or suspect they might have COVID to ensure it is most effective,” he informed Fox News Digital.
For those that don’t have important danger components for Paxlovid, Marchese stated, “starting treatment as soon as possible is essential, even if you only have mild symptoms.”
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Similar to some antibiotics, Paxlovid is obtainable on a “dose card” that means that you can punch out 30 tablets throughout therapy, stated Marchese. The commonplace therapy is three tablets twice day by day over 5 days.
Some sufferers might require a second course of Paxlovid if they have a rebound or relapse of COVID-19.
Who ought to keep away from Paxlovid?
For those that have had COVID for greater than a week, Paxlovid could also be much less efficient and will doubtlessly be dangerous, Marchese suggested.
There is a greater danger of hurt from taking Paxlovid for individuals who have organ harm, similar to decreased kidney or liver operate, in line with Marchese.
Paxlovid works finest when taken inside 5 days of a COVID analysis or when the primary signs seem, in line with a registered nurse. There are different key information about it that sufferers should know. (REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini/File Photo)
“Pediatric patients under 12 years of age or those weighing under 88 pounds should also avoid Paxlovid,” he stated.
People with most cancers ought to talk about potential interactions between their prescribed medicines and Paxlovid, the professional suggested.
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“Some cancer medications may inhibit the effects of Paxlovid,” Marchese stated.
“Conversely, treatment with Paxlovid may reduce the effectiveness of some cancer medications.”
As Pfizer notes on its web site, physicians ought to “consider the benefit of Paxlovid treatment in reducing hospitalization and death, and whether the risk of potential drug-drug interactions for an individual patient can be appropriately managed.”
“Vaccination efforts continue to be the most effective guard against COVID-19,” the nurse informed Fox News Digital. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg through Getty Images)
People with HIV-1 infections ought to seek the advice of their supplier earlier than taking Paxlovid, the professional stated, because the medicine may intrude with long-term HIV therapy.
“Other interactions with Paxlovid include cholesterol-lowering statins, such as Lipitor,” he warned.
Potential unwanted effects
Some sufferers report a “rebound” impact with Paxlovid, the place they could take a look at constructive for COVID-19 after the course of therapy however present no signs, famous Marchese.
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“In these cases, reinfection is unlikely, and hospitalization or severe disease is rare,” he stated.
Potential unwanted effects of the antiviral medicine embrace hives or rashes on the pores and skin or bother respiratory.
Those who have had COVID for greater than a week ought to seek the advice of a health care supplier earlier than taking Paxlovid, the professional suggested. (iStock)
“Those with hypersensitivity disorder should be especially cautious and notify their providers immediately if they experience any side effects,” famous Marchese.
Other potential unwanted effects embrace diarrhea, elevated blood stress, muscle aches and nausea.
“Vaccination efforts continue to be the most effective guard against COVID-19,” Marchese stated. “People who have a higher risk of complications or immune deficiency, such as cancer patients, should stay vigilant with the COVID-19 vaccinations and their other recommended vaccines.”
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Paxlovid was initially supplied free of charge by the U.S. authorities. But as of Dec. 15, 2023, it transitioned to industrial distribution, in line with the Health & Human Services web site.
Pfizer additionally operates applications to make sure inexpensive entry for sufferers.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Pfizer with the chance to offer extra remark.
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