Paxlovid is an antiviral therapy approved for emergency usage by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for anyone over 12 years of age who weighs at least 88 pounds and is at risk for severe disease. 

Paxlovid is an oral pill you can take at home to prevent you from getting so sick you need to be hospitalized. 

Pfizer developed Paxlovid. Paxlovid has two different medications that are packaged together. It consists of a three-pill dose. Two of the pills contain nirmatrelvir, and the other contains ritonavir. 

• Nirmatrelvir:  This inhibits a key enzyme that the COVID virus needs to function. It helps prevent the COVID virus from entering uninfected cells, stopping the spread of the virus in your body. 
• Ritonavir: This shuts down the metabolism of nirmatrelvir in the liver so that it stays in your body longer and gives your body a better chance of fighting off the COVID-19 virus. 

Paxlovid should be administered within five days of developing symptoms. It works best if it is given right after the onset of symptoms. 

You should take three Paxlovid pills twice a day for five days. You need to take an entire course of treatment and should not stop midway through treatment.

Paxlovid is similar to Tamiflu but designed for COVID-19 treatment. You are likely to get a Paxlovid prescription if you have a positive COVID-19 test and are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19. 

Most people who take Paxlovid don’t develop any serious side effects. The most common side effects include: 

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle aches
• Increased blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• An altered and impaired sense of taste
• General feelings of unwellness

Some people experience an allergic reaction when taking Paxlovid. If you experience any of the following symptoms when taking the medication, get medical help right away: 

• Hoarseness
• Skin rash
• Throat tightness
• Swelling of the mouth, lips, or face
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• Hives

Remdesivir is an antiviral medication that has been approved for usage by the FDA for COVID-19. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion at a healthcare facility within three consecutive days. 

Remdesivir comes as a powder and is mixed with a liquid and then infused slowly into your body via IV over 30 to 120 minutes. It is given for at least three days and can be administered for five to ten days. 

Remdesivir can cause side effects. It is important to tell your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects: 

• Nausea
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Bruising of the skin
• Soreness or swelling near the injection site

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include: 

• Yellow eyes and skin
• Dark urine
• Pain or discomfort in the upper-right stomach area

Before receiving Remdesivir, inform your doctor about any other prescription and non-prescription medications, if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Lagevrio is another type of antiviral therapy that can be used to treat mild and moderate COVID-19. It is specifically used to treat individuals at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. 

Lagevrio is given as an oral pill within five days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. The pill has to be taken twice a day for five days. It is not recommended for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding. 

Lagevrio is an oral antiviral medication that reduces the ability of the COVID-19 virus to multiply in your body. It increases mutations in the virus’ genetic material and stops the virus from multiplying in your body, helping to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Call West Hills Allergy & Asthma Associates for help with treating your COVID-19. Let our friendly staff and board-certified physicians care for you and your family.

For a consultation with Dr. Rene Anderson-Cowell, you can call us at (503) 297-4779 or request an appointment online.