Why aren't those who have COVID taking Paxlovid?
Newsy
According to a study by Pfizer, Paxlovid reduces hospitalizations from COVID by 86%. Researchers wonder why so few people are taking it.
In the peak of COVID-19 season, researchers are confounded as to why so few people are taking Paxlovid, the drug prescribed by doctors to counteract many COVID symptoms. According to a study by Pfizer, Paxlovid reduces hospitalizations from COVID by 86%.
Paxlovid is an antiviral therapy that consists of two separate medications packaged together. The first is nirmatrelvir, which inhibits a key enzyme COVID needs to make more viral particles, and the second is ritonavir, which boosts nirmatrelvir's effectiveness.
A study from the National institutes of Health shows only 15% of people eligible for the drug actually take it.
“There are several factors that make doctors hesitant in prescribing this medication,” said Dr. Jaya Kumar, chief medical officer at Swedish Medical Center in Colorado. Dr. Kumar says Paxlovid must be taken within five days of symptom onset, otherwise it is ineffective. There have also been reports of rebound COVID infections ,and a foul metallic taste for those who have taken the drug.
Paxlovid is also expensive if insurance does not cover the cost, something that prevented Madelyne Maag from getting a prescription during her recent COVID infection.
