NIRMATRELVIR RITONAVIR

Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavir is an oral antiviral combination developed for treatment of COVID-19, particularly in high-risk individuals. This combination works by blocking viral replication early in infection and preventing progression to severe disease. The therapy received Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) from the U.S. FDA in December 2021. Following this approval, regulatory agencies worldwide granted approval or emergency authorisation, including: European Medicines Agency (EMA) – 2022; UK MHRA – December 2021; India (DCGI) – early 2022. Nirmatrelvir + Ritonavir has since become an important outpatient treatment for individuals at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, reducing hospitalisation and mortality when administered early in the course of illness.

Nirmatrelvir (Nirmatrelvir + Ritonavir) is used to: Treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults at high risk of complications Prevent progression to severe illness, hospitalisation, or death. Reduce viral load and shorten symptom duration. Provide early antiviral control in immunocompromised or vulnerable patients. It must be started within 5 days of symptom onset for best results.

Nirmatrelvir side effects are Serious Side Effects: Severe allergic reaction (swelling, breathing difficulty) Hepatitis or liver enzyme elevation Significant drug interaction effects Irregular heartbeat Severe abdominal pain Common Side Effects: Altered taste (metallic taste) Diarrhea High blood pressure Muscle aches Nausea or vomiting Headache Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Not recommended for use with certain CYP3A4-dependent medications, as dangerous interactions may occur. Contraindicated in patients with: Severe kidney disease Severe liver impairment Known hypersensitivity to either component May cause altered taste, diarrhoea, changes in blood pressure, or drug-interaction-related effects. Patients with heart rhythm disorders should use it with caution due to the potential for ECG changes. Ritonavir can interact with multiple medications, including: Antiarrhythmics Antiseizure drugs Immunosuppressants Sedatives Antipsychotics Blood thinners Avoid use during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Inform your doctor about all your medications, including: Blood pressure medicines Antidepressants Steroids Diabetes medicines Herbal supplements (especially St. John’s Wort) Patients should have their kidney and liver function reviewed before prescribing. Do not stop or adjust other chronic medications without medical advice. Continue monitoring of symptoms during and after therapy. Not a substitute for vaccination; must be used only for active infection. Store in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture.

Hammond J. et al. (2022). Oral Nirmatrelvir for High-Risk, Nonhospitalized Adults with COVID-19. New England Journal of Medicine https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2118542 ? Pfizer. Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir + Ritonavir) Emergency Use Authorization Fact Sheet https://www.fda.gov/media/155050/download ? World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines https://www.who.int/therapeutics ?