when you have it COVID If you are not feeling well, you may be worried that your symptoms will worsen and you will be hospitalized.One of the options you have to potentially prevent it is to take medication paxrovid.
Paxrobid is an antiviral drug that can be used to treat mild to moderate cases. COVID People at high risk of serious illness, including hospitalization and death, are eligible, according to the . US Food and Drug Administration. The FDA granted full approval in May 2023.
Paxlobid is important for treatment, but COVID, doctors say it’s not used any more than necessary.national Poll by Covid States Project A paper published in August found that only 11% of people who reported a new coronavirus infection between May and July were prescribed paxlobid.
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He says there is “a great deal of confusion” about who is eligible to receive a Paxlobid prescription. Louis Papa, MD, a primary care physician and professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “There are clearly groups that benefit more from it.”
of FDA says Anyone who is at high risk of developing severe Covid is eligible for Paxlovid. This includes people over the age of 50 or people over the age of 12 with an underlying medical condition such as cancer. obesity, Diabetesor people who may have a weakened immune system.
“Those people tend to be at the highest risk and will probably get the most bang for their buck,” Dr. Papa says.
However, some literature says the parameters are unnecessarily strict and have caused confusion in the medical community about when to prescribe paxlobid. He added that patients who are refused medication may need to seek a second opinion if they feel it is necessary.
To clear up any confusion about paxlobid, your doctor will explain who should and shouldn’t take the drug, when it’s most effective to take it, and other things you need to know.
Who is Paxthrobid intended for?
People who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have had mild to moderate symptoms for five days, and are in a high-risk group for severe disease are eligible to receive the Paxrovid vaccine. Dr. Shivanjali Shankaranan infectious disease expert at RUSH in Chicago.
High-risk groups include people over 50 and people with chronic diseases that affect the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver, or who have a weakened immune system, she says.
“If you meet the criteria, you should be able to receive it,” says Dr. Shankaran. However, some doctors are reluctant to prescribe this drug, mainly because it can interact with certain other drugs such as statins, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and antidepressants. she added. Therefore, it is important to be transparent about what you have ingested and your health status.
How effective is Paxrovid?
The first studies of paxlobid were done in unvaccinated people, Dr. Papa says. clinical trial Paxrovid was shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 89 percent in unvaccinated people.Other studies have shown that it is about as effective as people who have been vaccinated.
There is evidence that paxlobid may make you lose weight. Virus shedding “To some degree,” said Dr. Papa. However, even if you test positive for Covid, it is important to isolate yourself from others.
“At best, it reduces the risk of hospitalization, but healthy people may not benefit because the risk is so low,” he explained.
Paxlobid may also reduce the risk of long-term illness from COVID-19. the study suggests.
When should I take Paxlobid?
Dr. Shankaran says paxlobid should be taken as soon as possible while infected with coronavirus. “It must be taken within five days of the onset of symptoms, because that’s when the virus is multiplying.”
“Ideally, I would like to start within five days.” Vin Gupta, MDIf a patient is medically at high risk, some doctors will prescribe the drug on the sixth or seventh day after symptoms start, said the pulmonologist and chief medical officer at Amazon Pharmacy. He said it was possible.
How is Paxlobid prescribed?
The Paxlovid prescription includes two drugs. Nilmatrelvir and ritonavir.
Dr. Papa said nilmatrevir works by preventing the coronavirus’s enzymes from replicating in the body. “The problem is that certain drugs are broken down very quickly in the body.”
So, combining it with ritonavir, a drug that slows the metabolism of nilmatrevir, increases its duration of action and helps fight infections.
Paxlobid’s dosage involves taking three tablets (two nilmatrevir and one ritonavir) twice a day for five days, Dr. Papa says.
“The sooner you start treatment, the better,” he explains, at least within five days of the onset of symptoms.
paxlobid side effects
According to the FDA, the most common side effect of Paxlobid is a change in taste. Dr. Gupta said the drug also has an unpleasant metallic taste.
“Some people find it helpful to take the tablets with something strong-flavored, like cinnamon gum,” Dr. Shankaran added.
Other side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, high blood pressure, and simply feeling unwell. F.D.A..
“In all the cases I’ve seen, the side effects have never been severe enough to prevent the next dose,” says Dr. Gupta.
Several the study This indicates that you may experience a rebound of the coronavirus after you finish taking Paxlobid.but rebound rate It is comparable between those who took paxlobid and those who did not. Rebound symptoms are also seen with other illnesses, such as influenza, and are usually milder than the initial infection, Dr. Shankaran says.
Who should not take Paxlobid?
According to the FDA, paxlobid is compatible with several other drugs, including blood thinners, immunosuppressants, antidepressants, statins, some heart disease drugs, HIV drugs, and drugs for organ transplant patients. It is said that it may work.
So before taking paxlobid, tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, says Dr. Shankaran.
Paxlobid may not be recommended if you have kidney or liver problems or if you have HIV. But Dr. Shankaran says it’s possible that other antiviral drugs can be taken against COVID-19.
How to get Paxrobid
Dr. Papa said anyone who tests positive for coronavirus, develops symptoms, or falls into a high-risk group for severe illness should always talk to their doctor about taking Paxlobid. . In some cases, your pharmacist may also be able to give you Paxlobid.
Dr. Shankaran says it’s important to get tested for coronavirus early, as paxlobid treatment should be started as soon as symptoms start.
For most patients, the risk of taking the drug is low and can prevent serious illness and hospitalization, Dr. Papa says. “This drug is readily available even if you are infected with the coronavirus.”
Erica Sweeney is a writer who primarily covers health, wellness, and careers. She has written for The New York Times, Huffington Post, Teen Vogue, Parade, Money, Business Insider, and more.
