New FDA emergency-use-authorized Covid-19 treatment pill, Pfizer’s Paxlovid, has arrived in pharmacies in Texas. This will mark the first FDA approved oral antiviral for treatment of Covid-19.
With this treatment, patients now have access to an early oral treatment protocol approved by the FDA under the emergency use authorization (EUA).
Paxlovid is indicated in patients 12 years of age and older with positive SARS-CoV-2 testing and at high risk for progression to severe Covid-19, including high risk for hospitalization and death. It should be started as soon as possible within 5 days after symptom onset.
Paxlovid is a combination of two antivirals, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. It is administered as 3 tablets (2 of nirmatrelvir and 1 of ritonavir) taken twice a day for 5 days.
Paxlovid may be indicated for you if you have Covid-19 plus any of the following risk factors: age greater than 60 years, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2], cardiovascular disease, heart failure, history of stroke, history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), other lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, autoimmune disease or history of cancer.
Paxlovid is not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver disease and is contraindicated with certain drugs.
So far we have seen good results and quick turnaround in our Covid-19 patients taking Paxlovid.
At the present, Paxlovid is difficult to access as few pharmacies have it in stock.
Please call or text (214) 367-5986 for more information or to schedule a telemedicine visit.
