Should I Take Antiviral Pills If I Get COVID-19? Here's What to Know

COVID-19 antiviral medication

You’ve probably heard of monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma treatments. However, the most recent treatments are antiviral which are a type of medicine that combat viral infections like COVID-19.

“Currently, there are two antiviral medications that have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat COVID-19, ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio),” said Jason Brown, MD, the chief medical officer of Banner Pharmacy Services in Phoenix, AZ. “Both antiviral medications have been proven to be effective in reducing a patient’s chances of being hospitalized, or dying, from COVID-19 and can be taken in the comfort of your own home.”

1. How effective are COVID-19 antivirals?

COVID-19 antiviral medicines help your body fight disease by preventing the virus from creating duplicates of its own. This can reduce symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness.

Paxlovid is a blend of two antiviral drugs which are nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir. “Nirmatrelvir blocks COVID-19 from multiplying so that the virus cannot make copies of itself,” explained Denise Erickson, senior director of Banner Pharmacy Services. “Then ritonavir helps slow the breakdown of nirmatrelvir, enabling the medication to stay in your body at higher levels for longer.”

Lagevrio also prevents COVID-19 from replicating itself. It does this by manipulating the virus to insert its own Lagevrio in its DNA, making it impossible it for viruses to create copies.

2. Who can benefit from COVID-19 antiviral oral medications?

Both drugs are available on prescription, but they’re not intended for everyone.

“Those who may benefit most from COVID-19 therapy are patients with high risk factors or health conditions that put them at risk for developing severe disease,” Dr. Brown said. “Some of the risk factors are patients who are obese or overweight and suffer from heart issues or cancer, diabetes chronic liver disease lung diseases, pregnant or over 50 years old.

Your physician can help you determine if you’re eligible for the treatment and which is best for you. Tell your physician about any medication you’re currently taking.

3. What are the possible adverse effects that COVID-19 could cause when you take antivirals?

Like any other medication it is possible to experience adverse reactions with antivirals. Some adverse effects of oral antivirals can include a change in the perception of taste, nausea and nausea, dizziness high blood pressure, and muscle pains.

“Your provider will carefully discuss the risks and benefits with you, including any potential drug interactions, before prescribing any medication,” Dr. Brown said.

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4. When should antiviral COVID-19 medications be taken?

“Oral antivirals are most effective if prescribed as soon as possible and within 5 days of onset of symptoms,” Erickson stated.

Paxlovid as well as Lagevrio are oral drugs and can be used either with or without food. It’s crucial to complete each prescribed dose to ensure them to be as effective as they can be.

5. There is a distinction between the COVID-19 vaccination and the COVID-19 antiviral pills?

Antiviral medications aren’t a replacement to getting vaccinated. Research shows that people who aren’t vaccinated have twice the chance to become infected again with COVID-19 as those who receive vaccination after recovering from disease.

“The best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization and death, is to get the COVID-19 vaccine and your booster,” Dr. Brown said. “If you had COVID-19, you should still get the vaccine once your symptoms have resolved.”

Should I Take Antiviral Pills If I Get COVID-19? Here’s What to Know