COVID Antiviral Pills — Paxlovid vs. Molnupiravir
There has been a lot of anticipation for a pill that would help treat COVID. In late December the wait finally ended for a much anticipated COVID pill. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization to two different antiviral COVID pills called Paxlovid and Molnupiravir.
Paxlovid
Paxlovid is made by Pfizer and was the medication that was first approved by the FDA. It is a mixture of two antiviral medications called nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. The Nirmatrelvir part of the mixture stops the virus from replicating. Meaning there will be less of the virus in the body and help lessen the chance of becoming severely ill. The Ritonavir part of the mixture aids in slowing down the breakdown of the nirmatrelvir. This is important because the nirmatrelvir will be able to stay in the body longer and at a greater concentration.
Paxlovid can be prescribed to people aged 12 years and older who weigh more than 88 pounds. Early studies have shown that Paxlovid lowers the risk of hospitalization and death due to covid by up to 90%. There could be drug interactions with other medications such as cholesterol medications, anticoagulants, birth controls, seizure medications, and St. Johns’s wort. If taken in combination with these medications, it could be dangerous or make the medication less effective. Paxlovid can be harsh on the kidneys and liver. The healthcare provider prescribing the medication should confirm with you that you don’t have liver or kidney problems.
Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir was approved by the FDA soon after Paxlovid but as a last resort option when other treatment options are not accessible. Molnupiravir also stops the virus from replicating but uses a different method than Paxlovid. When the virus tries to replicate the molnupiravir inserts itself into the virus’s genetic code which makes it impossible to replicate. Again if the virus cannot replicate, it causes less viral buildup in the body, therefore, lessening severe symptoms. Early studies have shown that Molnupiravir lowers the risk of covid hospitalization and death by 30%. Molnupiravir has minimal drug interactions but should not be prescribed to anyone who is pregnant because it may harm the fetus or possibly cause miscarriage. It may affect sperm but more studies are still needed. If you are sexually active and prescribed molnupiravir, you should consult your doctor first. Molnupiravir should not be taken by people under 18 years old because it can affect bone or cartilage development.
Take-Aways
Be aware that there is a limited supply of both antiviral pills. You must meet certain criteria to even be considered for these treatments. You much also be within 5 days from the onset of symptoms. The effectiveness of the medications is decreased if not started within the correct timeframe. These treatments are only prescribed for those who are at the highest risk for severe illness and negative health outcomes from COVID.
In order to start the process, you need to get tested immediately when you start to experience symptoms. You also need to make an appointment with your healthcare provider who can prescribe these medications.
Both medications are currently free to patients who meet the prescription criteria. These medications should not be taken together and they should be taken as directed. Just like any medication, there are risks and side effects. Both medications can have side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, high blood pressure, muscle aches, and change in taste.
Resources
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-pill-paxlovid-molnupiravir
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