A Global Study of Paxlovid, a Prohibitor of Severe COVID, and a Potential Target for Prevention
Studies show Paxlovid can be very effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, and it’s the most effective way to prevent it.
The antiviral drug stops the virus from replicating in cells. “We know that one of the key factors that predict long COVID is detectable virus in the bloodstream at the time of infection,” Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease physician at the University of California, San Francisco, wrote in an email. “So there is a chance that interventions that stop the virus from making more copies of itself would lead to a lower risk of long COVID.”
Some COVID patients in the United States are not eligible for a prescription. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends treatment for patients at risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, which includes anyone who’s 50 and older (risk increases with age), people who are unvaccinated and people with certain medical conditions, such as obesity, chronic lung disease, heart disease or a weakened immune system.
Still, experts view the study as only a starting point for exploring the potential uses of Paxlovid. The VA study was observational, based on data entered into patient health records – in Sax’s view, “the imprecision of the [long COVID] diagnosis makes definitive conclusions from this study challenging, especially with a retrospective review.”
But the value of the study is that it points researchers down promising pathways for more research, says Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease physician at UCSF. “It’s hypothesis-generating,” she says, “It’s exciting and hopeful [to think] that if you reduce the viral load… down to undetectable [early in the illness], maybe you can prevent post-COVID symptoms” altogether – a theory she thinks researchers could pursue.
And it’s a global phenomenon. Pfizer, which makes the drug, just signed an agreement to import the drug to China, which is facing an unprecedented surge in chronic bronchitis.
Yet here in the U.S., public health specialists say Paxlovid is underused. A poll taken in June and July by the COVID States Project, a consortium of several universities, found that among adults over 65 who tested positive since January 2022 and who are eligible for the drug because of their age, only 20% got a prescription.
Some patients think Paxlovid has side effects that will deter them from getting a prescription, like a metallic mouth taste and stomach distress.
But, says Michael Ganio, director of pharmacy practice and quality at the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, “a bad taste for five days is a small price to pay for a drug that can save your life.”
The FDA’s newest home antigen test and the best treatment is it ununderused in the U.S. in case of COVID
It’s not difficult to test for conclusive evidence. The do-it-yourself home antigen tests are as of this week again available for free in the U.S. – four per household – via an online request. Insurance still covers the cost of 8 kits for per month, even for people who don’t have insurance.
The FDA extended the use by dates for some COVID tests that are nearing their end. You can check this chart to find out about the tests you have on hand.
The federal government also has a “Test to Treat” locator to see where you can be tested for free and, if you test positive and are eligible, leave with the drug. There are some places for community health centers. Pharmacy don’t issue prescriptions unless they have inhouse medical clinics run by nurse practitioners or doctors. And getting your prescription from a pharmacist — but only a pharmacist — requires some bloodwork done within the past year.
Pharmacies may also send the pills to your home for prescriptions the doctor calls in. Walgreens just announced free Paxlovid delivery via Door Dash and UberEATS; CVS will send it the same day for a fee.
For those who like to plan ahead – just in case COVID were to strike – you can make life easier by keeping an up-to-date list of any drugs you take, including dosages.
No doctor? If you need to get a prescription, avoid the ER or urgent care centers because they can be a good place to get infections like the flu andRSV.
You can go for a visit with your doctor or online company. It is recommended that you check the insurer’s website to make sure they are compatible with one.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/12/16/1142586058/coronavirus-faq-is-paxlovid-the-best-treatment-is-it-underused-in-the-u-s
The Paxlovid Crisis: How Much Drug Is There? Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Life During the Coronavirus Crisis
But the drug might not be free forever. If the current Paxlovid supply gets used up, people who are insured may have to pay a copay and people who are uninsured may have to pay full price according to Kates.
We regularly answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you’d like us to consider for a future post, email us at [email protected] with the subject line: “Weekly Coronavirus Questions.” See an archive of our FAQs here.
Fran Kritz is a health policy reporter based in Washington, D.C., and a regular contributor to NPR. She also writes for the Washington Post. Find her on social media.