Paxlovid and other COVID pills
in Maryland

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Key facts about the COVID pill treatment

The FDA has approved two new antiviral pills for the treatment of COVID-19: Paxlovid and molnupiravir. Pfizer manufactures paxlovid, while Merck manufactures molnupiravir. According to FDA-reported clinical study data, these medicines can dramatically reduce the risk of hospitalization and mortality in COVID-19-infected high-risk individuals.

What is a COVID pill treatment?

According to the FDA, COVID pill treatment is only for individuals who have already been diagnosed with COVID-19. The pills are not the same as the COVID vaccine in that they are not used to prevent infection with COVID. According to the FDA, the pills should not be used as a substitute for vaccines, but they may be particularly beneficial for patients who are immunocompromised or unable to be vaccinated. According to the DSA, COVID medications are intended to lower the chance of being hospitalized due to severe COVID symptoms.

Before you ask your doctor for a COVID pill prescription, there are some important points to understand, as noted by the FDA:

• COVID pills are exclusively approved for a certain number of people. They're for people who have minor symptoms but are at a higher risk of acquiring major COVID-19-related disorders. People with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, as well as the elderly, fall into this category.
  The COVID pill should not be taken by some people. The COVID pill from Pfizer is approved for those aged 12 and up, while the COVID pill from Merck is solely for adults. The Merck pill should not be taken by children since it may interfere with bone formation. Pregnant women and others with liver or kidney problems should avoid taking the pills.
• Other drugs may interact with the pills. Before taking the COVID pill, tell your doctor about any medications you're taking. Other medications, such as heart meds, blood thinners, and HIV medications, may be affected by the pills. To keep track of any drug interactions, you'll need to work closely with your doctor.
• It is critical to begin treatment as soon as possible. The pills must be taken within five days of the onset of symptoms to be effective. If you suspect you have COVID, pay special attention to any symptoms and schedule a rapid COVID test as soon as possible. Cough, headache, fever, muscle aches, and loss of taste or smell are some of the most prevalent COVID symptoms.

What to expect from COVID pill treatment

If you test positive for COVID and your doctor thinks you're at risk of being admitted to the hospital, they'll probably write you a prescription and tell you where to get your medications.

Treatment for COVID with Paxlovid or molnupiravir is usually extremely simple because the medications can be administered at home. The FDA advises that you start taking your medication as soon as possible and follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. It is possible to take both drugs with or without food. Do not open or crush the pills; swallow them whole. If you miss a dosage, call your doctor to find out when you should take it again. Even if you feel better, follow the FDA's directions and continue taking all of your medications.

The medications are meant to lower the chance of hospitalization, according to the FDA. When you take the COVID pill, you may not feel better right once, and the length of your illness may not be decreased.

Possible side effects

Side effects of both drugs, according to the FDA, are reported to be minor. Paxlovid side effects may include muscle aches, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and loss of taste. Side effects of molnupiravir may include nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Molnupiravir can interfere with fetal development. The FDA recommends that women who could become pregnant should use a reliable method of birth control during treatment and for at least four days after completing treatment. Men who are sexually active should use a reliable form of birth control for at least three months following treatment.

What to expect after treatment

If you don't feel better after five days of taking your prescription, or if your symptoms worsen, call your doctor right away, according to FDA guidelines.

What safety measures should I continue to follow?

Even if you feel better, stay in isolation for as long as your doctor advises. Continue to wear a mask in public and exercise social distance if you are at high risk, according to CDC guidelines and recommendations.

What scientists are still learning

The FDA will continue to assess the safety and efficacy of COVID pill therapies, and more novel medicines are likely to follow.