Recently, new treatments have been coming up to help treat Covid-19, and this includes oral antivirals.
The latest antiviral to come out has been the Pfizer Paxlovid pills. This pill is said to have the ability to greatly reduce the number of Covid related deaths in patients. Scott Roberts, MD, an infectious disease expert from Yale University called the drug "the beginning of a game-changer".
However, given that these drugs are still new, we wanted to learn more. Indian Weekender reached out to New Zealand's Ministry of Health to find out more.
If we already have the vaccine, then why do we need an antiviral?
Ministry Spokesperson: Covid-19 medicines are not a substitute for being fully vaccinated and boosted, which continues to be our priority for protecting against severe disease, hospitalisation, or death from Covid-19. They are primarily a treatment for those that the most vulnerable to severe illness from Covid-19.
Paxlovid is the only antiviral treatment that has been approved for use in New Zealand at this stage and will be available for dispensing from 5th April.
The treatment is a five-day course of tablets that needs to be taken within five days of first developing symptoms for Covid-19.
In addition, there are currently four anti- Covid-19 medicines available in Aotearoa, which are all given intravenously.
How does the antiviral work?
Ministry Spokesperson: Paxlovid is made up of two tablets, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. The tablets are taken twice a day for five days.
Nirmatrelvir blocks the activity of an enzyme Covid-19 needs to replicate. Ritonavir helps maintain levels of nirmatrelvir in the blood stream.
How effective are they against Covid-19? Will it work just as well against its variants? For example, how effective is it against Delta vs Omicron?
Ministry Spokesperson: Overseas experience has shown Paxlovid to be 89 percent effective at reducing hospital admissions for the Delta variant in those who are unvaccinated and at high risk of hospitalisation. The effectiveness of Paxlovid in an Omicron outbreak is still being evaluated.
This medicine is an additional step in our response to Omicron. It will make a difference to the care and recovery of our most vulnerable people, by reducing the risk of hospitalisation and severe disease.
Are there any side effects?
Ministry Spokesperson: As with all medicines, these treatments may have side effects for some people, and we also look into how they interact with other medications. Clinical guidance will be rolled out to the primary care and pharmacy sector to guide and support them in safely prescribing these Covid-19 treatments.
Who are these antivirals meant for?
Ministry Spokesperson: Covid-19 medicines, including Paxlovid, are primarily for those that are the most vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19.
How do you get them? Is it an over the counter product?
Ministry Spokesperson: Any clinical assessment for Covid-19 treatment in the community is undertaken by the general practice team.
What else should people do to help themselves and others if they get Covid-19?
Ministry Spokesperson: As restrictions ease, it is important for people to continue to follow public health advice to stay at home, away from school or work if you’re feeling unwell. Another way to protect you and your whanau is to get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so.
Vaccination remains our best defence against Covid-19 and getting boosted is an important way people can protect themselves, their whanau and their friends from the virus.
Please if you are due for a vaccination, whether it be a second shot or booster, make an appointment today.
And there you have it. While there are high expectations for these antivirals, we still recommend not relying on them entirely. They are only part of the solution, not the whole.