PAXLOVID: COVID-19 ORAL ANTIVIRAL DRUG

In non-hospitalized high-risk adults with COVID-19, PAXLOVID was found to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 89 percent when compared to placebo. It's an antiviral drug that's nearly 90% effective at preventing COVID-19 infection. Only people with specific medical conditions can currently be prescribed the drug. Those who test positive for COVID-19 and are eligible for Paxlovid should request a prescription from their doctor.

Paxlovid from Pfizer will be available to people who have tested positive for COVID-19 but have not yet been admitted to the hospital, as well as those who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 and are 12 years or older (and at least 88 pounds). Your doctor will explain whether or not you are eligible for an oral antiviral and which option is best for you.

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are the two pills that make up Paxlovid. For five days, three tablets (two nirmatrelvir tablets and one ritonavir tablet) taken orally twice daily. Nirmatrelvir prevents the virus from producing more copies of it by blocking key proteins. It's taken with ritonavir to prevent nirmatrelvir from being broken down before its finished doing its job. Antiviral pills should be taken as early as possible in the course of the disease, ideally within five days of symptom onset. Even if you're not experiencing symptoms yet, it's best to get help as soon as possible.

These oral antivirals for COVID-19 have side effects, just like any other medication. They may also interact with other medications and have an impact on other health conditions, so talk to your doctor about any medications you're taking and any pre-existing conditions you have. Paxlovid's known side effects are minor, with the most common being a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth while taking the medication. Paxlovid's side effects include a loss of taste, diarrhoea, high blood pressure, and muscle aches. Paxlovid should not be used by people who have severe kidney or liver problems.

Paxlovid is not approved for COVID-19 pre-exposure or post-exposure prevention, and neither can it replace vaccination. Despite the fact that this medication is available to some people, it is critical that everyone who can get vaccinated against COVID-19 do so. Vaccines are our best defence against the virus because they are safe and effective. Get vaccinated even if you've had COVID-19. Vaccine-induced immunity is stronger and lasts longer than natural immunity.