Breaking Down the Latest COVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know

Hey there! Welcome to our blog where we'll be diving into the world of COVID-19 treatments. The ongoing pandemic has put a spotlight on the importance of staying informed about the latest developments in treatment options. Let's break it down together, shall we?

Overview of COVID-19 Treatments

When it comes to treating COVID-19, there are a variety of approaches that healthcare providers are using. From standard treatments like antiviral medications and supportive care to newer options such as monoclonal antibodies and convalescent plasma therapy, researchers are exploring every avenue to find effective solutions. And let's not forget the promising research being done on vaccines that could change the game entirely.

Effectiveness of Antiviral Treatments

Antiviral COVID-19 treatments such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) are used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in eligible adult patients who have a tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus and who have a high risk of getting severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are formulated as 2 medications in each tablet, and is taken by mouth. Nirmatrelvir works by stopping the SARS-CoV-2 from producing the proteins it needs to be able to replicate. Ritonavir does not have any effect on SARS-CoV-2 but increases how long nirmatrelvir can work in your body by slowing how the liver breaks it down. Without ritonavir, it would be difficult for your body to have enough nirmatrelvir in it to be able to stop the virus from making copies of itself.

Why this Medicine is Used

This medicine can help reduce the likelihood of emergency room visits, hospitalization and death. It is most effective when taken within 5 days of symptoms starting, or within 5 days of returning a positive test.

This medicine has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of illness. You can use this medicine regardless of your vaccination status. It may help reduce the chance of complications in the days and weeks ahead, which can be difficult to predict even if you feel ok.

What Should You Be Aware Of

Factors like age and medications you may be taking play a significant role in determining how to best prescribe it. Some individuals, such as pregnant women and patients with HIV, kidney, liver disease may need special consideration when prescribing this medication. Be sure to inform your prescriber of your medical conditions and medications you are taking before taking Paxlovid.

How to get COVID-19 Treatment, including how to do it online.

If you're feeling sick and suspect you have COVID-19, the first step is to visit a clinician, such as a clinical pharmacist or physician. These clinicians are experts who can examine you, perform a test, ask about your symptoms, and determine if Paxlovid is the right treatment for you. They will then write you a prescription that you can use to get your medication.

Online Prescriptions: A New Way

Thanks to modern technology, you can now get a Paxlovid prescription without even leaving your home. Online healthcare platforms such as MedBox Online allow you to consult with a clinician virtually. You can discuss your symptoms, receive a diagnosis, and get a prescription all through your computer or smartphone. This convenient option is especially helpful if you're unable to visit a doctor in person or if you prefer the ease of online consultations.

Other Considerations in Covid-19 Treatment

Treatments such as Paxlovid are for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. If you or a loved one are very sick, you may need extra oxygen, and therefore you will need to go to the hospital.

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is meant for patients with COVID-19 that have a higher chance of becoming moderately or severely ill but are still well enough to not need extra oxygen. These can include those who are elderly, are Indigenous, have a weakened immune system, or have other conditions including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or obesity. Patients who have had less than 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccination may also have a higher chance of becoming moderately or severely ill, and so they may need Paxlovid as well.

In some cases, people have experienced a recurrence of COVID-19 symptoms after completing a round of antiviral treatment. This is sometimes called the “Paxlovid rebound.” There is no strong evidence that Paxlovid causes it—and because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls the phenomenon “COVID-19 rebound” or, "COVID rebound."

Scott Roberts, MD, a Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist, states that “People may avoid Paxlovid out of a fear of COVID rebound. But for high-risk patients, the benefits of Paxlovid in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death far outweigh the downsides of a rebound, which is usually mild, and, in most instances, will do nothing more than prolong the isolation period.”

Currently, Paxlovid is being studied in the prevention of Long Covid.

Getting the Best Treatment

If you or a loved one suspect COVID-19, it may be necessary to see your clinician. MedBox Pharmacy Care Clinic is an in-store walk-in clinic designed to take care of your pressing needs without the wait. Our Pharmacy Care clinicians can help you and your family through our prescribing services.

Sometimes it can be difficult to see your clinician in person. Maybe it is a weekend or after hours and the clinics are closed. Or the it is difficult to bring the children in. Or you may need to work and cannot take time off.

How MedBox GO Helps

With MedBox GO, you can quickly connect to a pharmacist clinician through your mobile device (smartphone or tablet), or computer, to get a reliable expert advice regardless of where you are.

It’s easy to use! Simply create your own free MedBox account, complete your medical profile information, and connect with a clinical pharmacist. Then tell us your symptoms and any other relevant information that we need.

Your clinician will assess your symptoms, and discuss your best options based on your assessment and preferences. If a prescription is needed, we will write it and if needed, a referral can be made to see another health care professional, such as a family doctor, nurse, emergency doctor or other provider.

Finally, we understand that questions can arise after hours. If you have questions about your MedBox Rx medications, you can contact a pharmacist – 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our emergency contact line or chat portal.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our discussion on the latest Covid-19 treatments, it's clear that there's a lot to consider. From the current landscape of treatment options to future possibilities, there's no shortage of information to keep track of. Remember to stay informed, ask questions, and make informed decisions about treatment options. Together, we can navigate these challenging times and work towards a healthier, safer future. Thanks for joining us on this journey!