as COVID-19 cases surge, there is growing interest in COVID-19 treatments. Today, we’ll take a closer look at two widely used oral COVID-19 treatments: Paxlovid and Lagevrio. We’ll also discuss the healthcare facilities where these medications can be prescribed and the pharmacies where they can be dispensed. Finally, we’ll compare the effectiveness, dosage instructions, and unique characteristics of each medication.
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Increasing Demand for COVID-19 Treatments
With the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the demand for treatments has risen sharply. Pfizer’s Paxlovid and MSD’s Lagevrio are among the most commonly used treatments. Let’s explore the unique features of these two medications.
Healthcare Facilities Where Prescriptions Are Available
To obtain a prescription for COVID-19 treatment, you need to visit a healthcare facility that can diagnose COVID-19. These include screening centers, respiratory care clinics, and designated COVID-19 treatment hospitals. At these facilities, a confirmed diagnosis can be made, and based on the patient’s condition, an oral treatment may be prescribed.
Pharmacies Where Medications Can Be Dispensed
COVID-19 treatments can only be dispensed by designated pharmacies. These pharmacies are regulated by public health authorities and are capable of accurately dispensing prescribed medications. These pharmacies are typically located near the healthcare facilities where the prescription was issued.
Paxlovid: Effectiveness and Dosage Instructions
Paxlovid, developed by Pfizer, is an oral treatment that received emergency use authorization in December 2021. It works by inhibiting the production of viral proteins, thereby preventing the virus from replicating.
Target Group: Seniors aged 60 and above, immunocompromised individuals aged 40 and above, and pediatric patients aged 12 and older.
Dosage Instructions: Take three pills twice daily, 12 hours apart, for five days. It should be taken within 3 to 5 days of infection onset.
Side Effects: Altered taste, diarrhea, high blood pressure, muscle pain.
Paxlovid has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death by 89% when taken within three days of symptom onset.
Lagevrio: Effectiveness and Dosage Instructions
Lagevrio, developed by MSD, is a treatment that received emergency use authorization in March 2022. This medication works by causing the virus to bind to an incorrect ribonucleic acid, leading to the virus's destruction.
Target Group: Adults aged 18 and above, particularly high-risk patients.
Dosage Instructions: Take four pills twice daily, 12 hours apart, for five days. It should be taken within 5 days of infection onset.
Side Effects: Diarrhea, nausea, headache.
Differences Between the Two Treatments
Paxlovid is known to be more effective than Lagevrio, but it has many precautions and cannot be taken with certain other medications. On the other hand, Lagevrio has fewer restrictions and is often used as an alternative for patients who cannot take Paxlovid.
COVID-19 Is Still Ongoing
Both treatments are effective against COVID-19, but it’s important to choose the right one based on your health condition and your doctor’s advice. As COVID-19 continues to spread, the demand for treatments is likely to keep increasing. If needed, consult with your healthcare provider promptly. Remember, COVID-19 is not over yet. Please continue to practice good personal hygiene and stay healthy.
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