Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) is a drug for treating patients diagnosed with COVID-19. It has been shown to result in a milder course of the disease.
At first it was given only in hospitals, but recently it has been recommended for cases severe enough to need medication to avoid hospitalization. These are generally patients with COVID-19 infections that have other serious medical problems and are at risk for complications.
All medications can have side effects. The safety profile of Paxlovid makes its use worth the risk for high-risk patients. Side effects of Paxlovid may include the following, according to manufacturer Pfizer:
- Altered sense of taste
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood pressure
- Muscle aches
- Hives (itching and redness)
- Rash
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips or face
- Hoarseness
- Liver problems
- Jaundice (yellowed skin or whites of the eyes)
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain
- Light-colored stools
- Itchy skin
- Abdominal pain
- Resistance to AIDS medications
Before beginning Paxlovid, tell your physician your entire health history, including any medications you are taking and whether you have HIV or liver disease.
Note that starting Paxlovid is time sensitive. It should be started within 72 hours of symptom-onset. If it is taken after that, the side effects may overweigh the benefits and therefore the medication should not be started anymore (except in some rare circumstances).
Where can I get a Paxlovid prescription?
QuickMD specializes in the rapid evaluation and prescribing of important medications via telemedicine. This will allow QuickMD patients to get to this medication as quickly as possible. The earlier Paxlovid is taken, the more effective it is, and every hour can count. Click here to see a doctor now and discuss if Paxlovid may be beneficial to you.