Have you also contracted COVID-19 and did your doctor prescribe this medicine? Or has anyone in your family received this medicine? The name of this medicine is Paxlovid. There are actually two types of this medicine. So there are some things to be careful about when using this medicine. Let's talk about it clearly and simply. There is nothing to be afraid of, as long as you are informed and take the medicine properly.
What exactly is Paxlovid?
Simply put, this is a drug that is given to treat COVID-19 virus infection. But it is not for everyone. Doctors prescribe it for people who have mild or moderate symptoms but are at higher risk of developing severe disease . For example, if someone is older, has diabetes, or has other medical conditions like heart disease, they are more likely to develop severe COVID-19. That is where this drug comes in handy.
This medicine works by limiting the multiplication of the COVID-19 virus inside our body, that is, its spread. In this, two types of drugs are given together. They are Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir . These two work together to control the virus.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before taking medication
This is very important. If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor before starting this medication. Don't hide anything.
- Allergies of any kind: If you have allergies to this medication, other medications, foods, or dyes.
- Kidney disease: This is very important if you have any kidney disease, as your medication dosage may need to be adjusted.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
- About any other serious medical conditions you have.
It is very important for your safety to give this information to your doctor so that he can make the most appropriate and safest decision for you.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
You will see two types of pills on the medicine packet. The usual dosage is:
- 2 pink Nirmatrelvir tablets
- 1 white Ritonavir tablet
You should take all 3 tablets together, twice a day (morning and evening) with water. Swallow the tablets whole . Do not chew or crush them.
You can take it before or after meals. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with food. It is essential to take this medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it halfway. Even if you feel "it's better now," finish the prescribed course.
Can this medicine be given to children?
This medicine can sometimes be prescribed to children over the age of 12. But only a doctor can decide. So talk to your doctor about it.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you suspect that you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Imagine you forgot to take your morning dose. If it is not more than 8 hours late when you remember, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is more than 8 hours late when you remember, skip the missed dose altogether . Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other medicines that interact with this medicine
This is a very important point to pay attention to. Paxlovid is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, you should inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking. See the two lists below.
| Never take Paxlovid with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Drug category | Examples |
| Some cholesterol-lowering medications | Lovastatin, Simvastatin |
| Medications for heart rhythm disorders | Amiodarone, Flecainide, Propafenone, Quinidine |
| Some medications for mental illness | Clozapine, Lurasidone, Pimozide |
| Some medications for migraines | Dihydroergotamine, Ergotamine |
| Medicines for pulmonary hypertension | Sildenafil (Revatio®) |
| Other | Alfuzosin, Colchicine, Rifampin, St. John's Wort |
| Problems can occur with this medication - talk to your doctor. | |
|---|---|
| Drug category | Examples |
| Anticoagulant | Rivaroxaban, Warfarin |
| Birth control pills | - |
| Some medications for high blood pressure | Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine |
| Antifungal medication | Itraconazole, Ketoconazole |
| Steroid drugs | Dexamethasone, Prednisolone, Budesonide (inhalers) |
| Medicines for HIV or AIDS | - |
These lists are not complete. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, traditional medicines, and supplements.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- Pay attention to your symptoms: Watch for signs of improvement or worsening. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor right away.
- Special note for people with HIV: If you have untreated HIV infection, this medicine may make future HIV medications less effective. So talk to your doctor about that too.
- About birth control: Birth control pills may be less effective while taking this medication. Therefore, if you are not planning to have a baby, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control, such as condoms.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can cause some side effects, some of which require immediate attention.
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and extreme fatigue. |
| Serious skin reactions | Redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth. |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Change in taste in the mouth | Feeling a strange taste in the mouth, such as a metallic taste. |
| Other minor features | Stomach upset, diarrhea, muscle pain, slight increase in blood pressure, general malaise, and fatigue. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat or moisture.
- Do not use expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dosage, time, or number of days.
- Even if your symptoms subside, finish the entire course of medication as prescribed.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or traditional medicines you are taking. This is very important.
- Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of serious side effects (e.g. allergic reactions, skin blisters, yellowing of the eyes) occur.
- Keep in mind that birth control pills may be less effective while taking this medication, so talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control.
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