Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir)
What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
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Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Paxlovid consists of a combination of antiviral medications to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at risk of severe illness. Nirmatrelvir targets and inhibits a specific protein the SARS-CoV-2 virus relies on to replicate, while ritonavir helps boost the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir by slowing its breakdown in the body. Paxlovid is typically prescribed to be taken orally as part of a treatment plan to decrease the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization and death.
Directions
Paxlovid should be taken as soon as possible after a COVID-19 diagnosis and within five days of symptom onset. The typical Paxlovid dosing regimen is two nirmatrelvir tablets paired with one ritonavir tablet, taken together orally twice per day for five consecutive days. Complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms start to improve.
Ingredients
Paxlovid consists of two active ingredients, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, and is packaged as a co-formulated product. Each Paxlovid package contains 150 mg of nirmatrelvir and 100 mg of ritonavir, with inactive ingredients like colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium stearyl fumarate adding bulk and stability to the pill.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- Allergy to nirmatrelvir, ritonavir, or any components of the Paxlovid formulation.
- Concurrent use of drugs that use the same CYP3A enzymes for removal from the body, as this can cause high levels of those drugs and potentially serious health risks.
- Concurrent use of strong CYP3A inducers, as they may lower Paxlovid's effectiveness and could lead to the virus not responding to the medication.
Cautions
- When considering treatment with Paxlovid, it's important to discuss the following with a healthcare professional:
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other conditions you have like liver problems or kidney issues
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, as risks to a fetus or a nursing infant are not fully known
- Paxlovid contains an ingredient that can affect how other medications are processed in the liver, which in rare cases could lead to severe or even life-threatening reactions.
- Consider the benefits of Paxlovid, like reducing the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19, and understand the risks related to drug interactions.
- Always check with your doctor or pharmacist for any potential drug interactions when starting Paxlovid and during your treatment.
- If you experience any signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe skin rash, stop taking Paxlovid immediately and seek medical help.
- Liver issues, like increased liver enzymes, hepatitis, or jaundice, have been reported in some patients. Inform your doctor if you have any symptoms of liver problems, like yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine, or pain in your abdomen.
- If you have HIV-1 infection that is not controlled or diagnosed, using Paxlovid may increase the risk of the HIV virus becoming resistant to certain treatments.
Side Effects
Paxlovid may sometimes lead to side effects that patients may notice during their course of therapy. Common Paxlovid side effects may include headache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure. These side effects are usually temporary, but if they persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Paxlovid may also cause more severe reactions that require immediate medical attention. Some people might experience severe allergic reactions with symptoms like swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue. Liver problems may also develop as a rare but serious side effect.
References:
- Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir) Product Monograph. New York, NY: Pfizer Laboratories; 2023.
- Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir) Drug Label Information. New York, NY: Pfizer Laboratories; 2023.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 14418
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