Nirmatrelvir Tablet is an oral antiviral drug developed by Pfizer for the treatment of Covid 19 disease. Nirmatrelvir is combined with ritonavir which helps to reduce the rate of nirmatrelvir metabolism in the body.
Nirmatrelvir tablet also contains inert ingredients called excipients in sufficient quantities. It is used together with a low dose ritonavir to reduce the rate of Nirmatrelvir metabolism in the body.
Scientifically speaking, Nirmatrelvir is an investigational SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitor antiviral therapy.
Results from those who took it shows that it reduces hospitalization and death significantly. The analysis was a controlled blind randomised trial. Patients who did not take Nirmatrelvir Tablets but placebo all died of Covid 19 disease.
Nirmatrelvir is specifically designed to be administered orally so that it can be prescribed at the first sign of infection or at first awareness of an exposure, potentially helping patients avoid severe illness which can lead to hospitalization and death.
From the above statement, you will note that the target usage not only for treatment but as a post exposure prophylaxis. Their are other ongoing trial to determine if it will be a good candidate when used prophylactically.
Uses of Nirmatrelvir Tablet
Nirmatrelvir Tablets are used orally for the treatment of Covid 19 disease. This includes all known variants of the disease including Omicron Covid 19 Variant.
It is used together with another generic antiviral agent called ritonavir. The dosing is discussed under dosage.
How does Nirmatrelvir Tablets work?
Nirmatrelvir code named PF-07321332 is designed to inhibit the activity of the SARS-CoV-2-3CL protease. Protease is an enzyme that the coronavirus needs to replicate. Nirmatrelvir inhibition of viral replication occurs at a stage known as proteolysis, which occurs before viral RNA replication.
To slow down the breakdown of Nirmatrelvir in the body after administration, another drug called ritonavir is given together with it. This action makes Paxlovid to remain active in the body for longer periods of time at higher concentration to help fight Corona virus responsible for Covid 19 disease.
Dosage
Nirmatrelvir is administered as three tablets (two tablets of nirmatrelvir and one tablet of ritonavir) taken together by mouth 12 hourly for five days.
Duration of treatment is 5 days. Nirmatrelvir is not authorized for use for longer than five consecutive days.
How to take Nirmatrelvir Tablet
Result from a study done on Nirmatrelvir by Pfizer shows that it is better taken immediately one is diagnosed of Covid 19 disease.
According to the result, Nirmatrelvir reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 89% when taken within three days of first symptoms of illness.
When taken within five days, the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 88%.
Even though the difference in the both results is not significant, it is still better to start treatment as soon as possible. The earlier the better.
Side Effects of Nirmatrelvir Tablet
Possible side effects of Nirmatrelvir include impaired sense of taste, diarrhea, high blood pressure and muscle aches.
There may be more side effects to be reported as more people take the drug.
Contraindications
Nirmatrelvir is not recommended in patients with severe kidney or severe liver impairment
Price of Nirmatrelvir Tablet
Prices of drugs vary from place to place. Nirmatrelvir costs approximately $530 to $700 per course.
Where to buy Nirmatrelvir Tablet
You can buy Nirmatrelvir Tablet in any registered pharmacy that stocks it. Your doctor will let you know of pharmacies that have the drug stocked.
Please note that you will need a valid prescription to be able to buy it.
For more information about this drug, please see Pfizer’s press release on Paxlovid
See also: Abacavir uses, dosage and side effects
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