People sick with COVID-19 They have two new pill treatment options that they can take at home as soon as symptoms appear. The challenge is to get tested, get a prescription, and start taking the pills as soon as possible.
US regulators cleared Pfizer’s pill, Paxlovid, and Merck’s molnupiravir last week. In high-risk patients, both were shown to reduce the chances of hospitalization or death from coronavirus, although Pfizer’s was much more effective.
Who should take these pills?
Antivirals are not for everyone who tests positive for COVID-19, but only for those with mild or moderate symptoms. That includes the elderly and people with other health conditions like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Both pills were licensed for adults, while Paxlovid was licensed for children as young as 12 years old.
Who should not take these pills?
Merck’s molnupiravir is not approved for children because it could interfere with bone growth. It is also not recommended for pregnant women due to the possibility of birth defects. The Pfizer pill is not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver problems. It also wouldn’t be the best option for people taking prescription drugs.
When to take and where can I get the pills?
The pills should be started as soon as possible, within five days of the onset of symptoms. A prescription from a doctor or other licensed health professional is required and treatment lasts for five days.
Will the pills work for the omicron variant?
The pills are expected to be effective against omicron because they don’t target the spike protein where most of the variant’s worrisome mutations reside. The two pills work in different ways to prevent the virus from reproducing.
.
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
