Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir – It’s been more than 3 years since the spread of COVID-19 started in the United States. We have seen several updates and changes in the view of the world when it comes to the spread of the virus. People around the world know how to prevent infection, but we don’t have any specific treatment.

For the last 3 years, healthcare experts around the world have been doing their best to find the best-in-class treatment for COVID-19, but we have not seen much success. You might not get surprised to know that COVID viruses are also not causing a greater risk of severe infection and even death.

The variants of the virus have also changed, and with the help of COVID vaccines and booster shots, we are much more capable of preventing the infection and ensuring the safety of fellow citizens.

Still, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States has given its nod to some COVID treatment options that can help you get better from the severe infection of the virus. Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir are one of those treatment options.

Let’s take a look at how you can use Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir and what their side effects are. This basic information will help you create disease and whether you should go with the treatment option or not.

What is Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir?

Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir are Antiviral treatments for the infection of COVID-19. It is also known as paxlovid, and the Food and Drug Administration of the United States suggests medicine to everyone above the age of 12 who might develop severe symptoms of the virus.

The Food and Drug Administration of the United States also suggests healthcare experts start the treatment within the first five days of the start of the symptoms. It is an oral medicine that is made with two different Tablets named Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir.

Healthcare experts have been suggesting medicine for COVID patients who are more vulnerable to developing the severe symptoms of the virus.

There is a specific eligibility criterion, and people can also experience a large number of side effects. Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir are not available as over-the-counter medications, and you should not take this medicine without consulting with your healthcare provider.

Who can use Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir?

Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir, Also known as Paxlovid, are not recommended for every COVID patient in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States recommends the use of paxlovid in some cases where the patient is more vulnerable to developing the severe symptoms of the virus.

The latest variants of COVID-19 are not imposing a great risk of severe infection. Most covid patients are getting better without even any medicine or medical assistance. 

Even if you are cheating the healthcare provider for the severe infection of COVID-19, it doesn’t mean that your healthcare provider will suggest you go with paxlovid or any other similar treatment.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir in some conditions, including:

• People who have tested positive for COVID-19 and they are struggling with Mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.
• At the same time, every patient should be above the age of 12 and weigh at least 88 pounds or 40 kgs.
• Healthcare providers must make sure that the patient is not struggling with severe symptoms but is at the point of developing those symptoms.

Paxlovid is an investigational drug, and it is still being studied. There is not much information available about the safety and effectiveness of Paxlovid and other similar treatments.

Your healthcare provider might also suggest you not go with the treatment as it is known to cause a huge number of side effects.

What are the Side Effects of Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir?

Every medical treatment in the world has a long list of side effects. There are different types of side effects of every medicine in the world, and they also have different probabilities. 

For example, the side effects of any medicine are going to be much more frequent than other side effects. Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir are Also known to have some side effects, and you should be aware of those.

When Pfizer first presented its documents the medicine to the Food and Drug Administration of the United States, the company also mentioned a long list of side effects.

The Food and Drug Administration of the United States believes there is a long list of side effects of Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir, including:

• nausea
• The general feeling of wellness
• High blood pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle pain
• Altered sense of taste

These are some of the most common side effects of the medicine, and you should consult these side effects with your healthcare provider. 

Usually, healthcare experts do not suggest any additional medicine for these side effects, but your healthcare expert might suggest you go for some treatment if these symptoms start to get worse.

Severe Side Effects

Along with the list of common side effects, there are some additional or severe side effects of Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir.

If you are experiencing any of the below-given symptoms, then you should tell your doctor right away, as all of the below-given conditions are known to cause life-threatening situations.

Allergic Reaction

First of all, there is a high probability of allergic reactions in people who are already allergic to the ingredients used in the drug. If you are allergic to anything in the world, we highly recommend you let your healthcare provider know, as it might cause life-threatening situations.

Healthcare experts usually give Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir Under professional watch. Still, there is a probability that you might experience an allergic reaction, and you should let it know to your healthcare provider.

Liver Problems

Paxlovid is also known to cause liver problems in people who already have any signs of the condition. If you are experiencing loss of appetite, yellowing of your skin, yellowing of your eyes, dark-colored urine, or pale-colored stools, then we highly recommend you let your healthcare provider know. 

Apart from that, people who are already struggling with the liver condition should let it be known to their healthcare provider. Problems are not common, and they can cause life-threatening conditions.

Warnings of Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir

The documents of the Food and Drug Administration of the United States authorizing the emergency use of Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir also contain a list of warnings associated with the medicine. 

Kindly let your healthcare provider know about these things before you start consuming Paxlovid. The medicine is known to cause life-threatening conditions, and people with existing conditions should take better precautions. 

• First of all, you should make sure your healthcare expert knows about all allergies you have. Even if you are allergic to any specific weather or ingredient, let it be known to your healthcare provider.
• Pregnant women who are about to become pregnant should let it be known to their healthcare providers. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider. 
• The Food and Drug Administration recommends everyone not have any sexual activity while taking paxlovid.
• Kindly let your healthcare provider know if you have any liver or kidney diseases. Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir are known to have a long list of side effects associated with liver and kidney diseases. 
• People who are already struggling with any condition or those who have chronic conditions should let it now to their healthcare provider know.

Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir are known to interact with a huge number of medicines, and it is also known to cause life-threatening conditions. Kindly do not spare any details as it might cause life-threatening conditions.

How to take Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir?

• Kindly do not remove the medicine from the blister card before you are ready to take it. 
• You can take medicine with or without food as there is no restriction.
• Kindly do not chew, break or crush the tablets, as you will have to swallow the whole tablet in one.
• Kindly do not stop taking the medicines without consulting with your healthcare provider.
• There should be a gap of at least 8 hours between the two doses of paxlovid.
• If you have overdosed, we highly recommend you call your healthcare provider right away or seek an emergency hospital.