- Some individuals who took Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 antiviral say that their symptoms improve after having completed the five-day treatment.
- In Pfizer’s clinical study between 1 and 2 percent of patients treated with the antiviral showed positive tests for COVID following the treatment.
- Experts agree that although these cases require to be investigated, Paxlovid is still an essential treatment for COVID-19.
A few patients who took Pfizer Inc’s oral antiviral Paxlovid have reported that symptoms of COVID-19 have begun to return after having improved initially when they finished treatment.
We know a lot so far about this recurrence of symptoms.
How prevalent is the repeat incidence of COVID-19-related symptoms following treatments with Paxlovid?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in a press release on May 24. That some patients receiving Paxlovid have “COVID-19 recovery” between two and eight days after their initial healing.
They may experience a recurrence of their symptoms, or an unexpected positive COVID test after testing non-positive.
It has been observed in those who are not vaccinated and also in those who have been vaccinated and increased.
It’s not known how often this happens.
As of now, only one case has been reported in the journal of medicine as an unpublished preprint.
In this case, the patient’s symptoms eased up but returned around one week following treatment. The patient also experienced an upsurge in the quantity of virus that was present in his body or the amount of viral in.
Some people have also posted about their symptoms of rebounding via Facebook or reported their symptoms to authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration.
At the present, this type of rebounding is uncommon.
In the Pfizer clinical trial, 1 to 2 percent of the people who received the antiviral showed the COVID-19 test positive that is, an increase of amount found after the treatment.
However, this kind of rebound was also seen for those who took the placebo that was inactive. So it’s unclear if this is connected to the medication, said the FDA Trusted Source.
Additionally, the agency stated that participants participating in the study. Those who had recurred symptoms were not at a greater chance of dying or being hospitalized. Also, there were no signs that coronavirus was developing resistance to the medication.
It’s unclear why people experience a repeat of their symptoms.
It is possible that it is “part of the natural development” for the coronavirus virus that creates COVID-19, CDC declared, independent of whether a person received treatment with Paxlovid or was vaccinated or booster.
Does Paxlovid still in use as a COVID-19-based treatment?
Experts believe that even though the cases of rebounding require investigation, however, they should not be interpreted as an attempt to re-invent Paxlovid.
Reports from cases suggest that those who suffer from COVID-19 rebound have a mild illness, but no cases of serious disease The CDC declared. The symptoms of patients improved over about three days with no further treatment.
Within the Pfizer clinical study, the antiviral significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 and death by nearly 90% among patients who were not hospitalized with a high risk of developing severe illness.
Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, a clinical professor at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, stated that Paxlovid is a “life-saver” that reduces the number of viruses present within the body, decreasing symptoms, and stopping illness from getting any worse.
“The medication does a fantastic job in preventing those who are at risk — such as obese, elderly or people with medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes avoid going to in the medical facility,” Klausner said. Klausner.
“That’s what’s important in preventing patients from having to go to an emergency room,” he added.
What should you do if the symptoms return when you take Paxlovid?
Although some experts have suggested a 10-day course of Paxlovid might be necessary but the CDC stated that there isn’t any evidence to suggest that individuals require further treatment using Paxlovid or a different antiviral COVID treatment.
Dr. John Mourani, medical director of infectious diseases in the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and said that if symptoms return, “the first thing patients must do is to contact their primary doctor for a COVID antigen screening.”
It is also possible to use an in-home testing kit. Certain doctors advise having these available when you take Paxlovid.
Scientists aren’t sure if those who experience recurrence of symptoms could spread this virus to others, however, they advise taking precautions to shield others from being infected.
“If symptoms return following treatment, there’s the possibility that someone could still be infected,” said Klausner. “People should remain isolated as well as wearing protective clothing until symptoms have gone away, or until they’ve tested positive on a quick test.”
The CDC suggests that those suffering from COVID rebound consider it the first infection, and adhere to the agency’s instructions regarding the isolationTrusted Source.
This means restarting isolation and staying in isolation for at least 5 days and wearing a mask around others for 10 days following the onset of symptoms that are rebounding.
Are you eligible to receive Paxlovid?
In the United States, Paxlovid is licensed by FDATrusted Source. FDATrusted Source for use for people aged 12 and older who have been confirmed positive for coronavirus and are at a high risk of developing severe illness.
Risky individuals include those who have risk factors from Trusted Source like chronic kidney disease or chronic lung disease as well as obesity, diabetes or cancer, or any other condition that weakens their immune system.
Unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals are eligible to receive Paxlovid. But, vaccination offers additional security.
“Overall using the vaccination and treatment options together is a great means to safeguard against extreme COVID,” Mourani said. Mourani.
A prescription will be required to purchase the antiviral medications and the treatment should be initiated within 5 days after the symptoms begin.
For a prescription to be issued it is necessary to present your positive test results to your physician and then review the risk factors. Certain telehealth companies also offer virtual visits that can assess the risk of you and prescribe Paxlovid in the event that it is needed.
It is also possible to visit some of these locations for testing to treat which are supported by federal authorities. They offer tests and also have Paxlovid available.
In April in the last week of April, The White House made a new campaign to bring Paxlovid into the hands of Americans who might benefit from it.
However, Klausner is concerned that the most vulnerable patients are not yet conscious of the treatment they are receiving and aren’t getting it.
“We must perform a better job of advertising the medicine to people at risk and making it easy to access,” he said.
