What is Paxlovid? COVID medication prescribed to Biden is specifically for older people with heart disease and was only approved by the FDA for pharmacists two weeks ago

  • The anti-viral drug is intended for use by patients who are considered likely to become seriously ill from the deadly virus
  • Trials showed the drug reduced both hospitalizations and deaths from COVID by almost 90 per cent in unvaccinated patients 

By ALEX OLIVEIRA FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: | Updated:

Joe Biden is taking the drug Paxlovid in his battle against COVID-19, the White House said while announcing the president's diagnosis.

'He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,' said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The anti-viral drug is intended for use by patients who are considered likely to become seriously ill from the deadly virus, such as elders and people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease.

Though the FDA approved the drug for use treating COVID last December, pharmacists were authorized to administer the drug only just two weeks ago. Until early July the drug could only be prescribed by physicians, according to PBS.

The drug's approval comes after the Biden administration spent months trying to increase access to the drug, which studies showed decreased both deaths and hospitalizations in unvaccinated COVID patients by nearly 90 per cent.

Despite those strong numbers the drug was found to be less effective in treating vaccinated patients - which Biden is three times over - and doctor's have reported symptoms returning in some patients after Paxlovid treatment. 

Joe Biden is taking the drug Paxlovid in his battle against COVID-19, the White House said while announcing the president's diagnosis

Joe Biden is taking the drug Paxlovid in his battle against COVID-19, the White House said while announcing the president's diagnosis

The anti-viral drug is intended for use by patients who are considered likely to become seriously ill from the deadly virus, such as elders and people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease.

The anti-viral drug is intended for use by patients who are considered likely to become seriously ill from the deadly virus, such as elders and people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease.

The treatment consists of a three pill dose of two different types of medications. The sets of pills are taken twice a day for five days, until 30 pills are consumed.

Two of the pills in the dose inhibit an enzyme the COVID virus requires to properly replicate, and stops the virus spreading viable cells. The third pill is a medication previously used to fight HIV/AIDS which boosts antiviral defenses by shutting down the liver's metabolism and allowing the effects of the first two pills to remain in the body longer.

The medication needs to be taken within five days of infection for it to be effective. Dr. Kevin O'Connell, physician to the president, said Biden's symptoms began on Wednesday evening.

Paxlovid does not typically come with serious side effects, according to Yale Medicine, but can range from increased blood pressure to nausea, diarrhea, and muscle aches.

The Pfizer produced drug is not recommended for people who have liver or kidney disease, neither of which does Biden suffer from.

Biden does have history of the heart condition atrial fibrillation - characterized by an irregular heartbeat - which is has suffered from since 2003. Paxlovid could negatively interact with medications he is taking to treat it. 

Biden has previously taken blood thinners - which can become unsafe when taken with Paxlovid - to treat the heart condition, though it is unclear though if he is still taking any such medications. 

Last fall his longtime physician, Dr. Kevin C. O'Connor, said the president 'remains completely asymptomatic' of atrial fibrillation and made no mention of any medications he was taking to mitigate it.

The president also suffers from asthma, which does not have any risks associated with Paxlovid but does increase his risk of COVID complications.

A Pfizer fact sheet notes that though studies have shown side effects to be generally mild, that relatively few people have taken the drug and more could exist.

'Not many people have taken PAXLOVID. Serious and unexpected side effects may happen,' the sheet reads, 'PAXLOVID is still being studied, so it is possible that all of the risks are not known at this time.' 

The treatment consists of a three pill dose of two different types of medications. The sets of pills are taken twice a day for five days, until 30 pills are consumed

The treatment consists of a three pill dose of two different types of medications. The sets of pills are taken twice a day for five days, until 30 pills are consumed

WHAT IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.

A normal heart rate should be regular and between 60 and 100 beats a minute when you're resting.

You can measure your heart rate by feeling the pulse in your neck or wrist.

In atrial fibrillation, the heart rate is irregular and can sometimes be very fast. In some cases, it can be considerably higher than 100 beats a minute.

This can cause problems including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance, affecting around 1 million people in the UK.

It can affect adults of any age, but it's more common in older people. It affects about 7 in 100 people aged over 65.

You may be aware of noticeable heart palpitations, where your heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for a few seconds or, in some cases, a few minutes.

You should make an appointment to see your GP if:

  • you notice a sudden change in your heartbeat
  • your heart rate is consistently lower than 60 or above 100 (particularly if you're experiencing other symptoms of atrial fibrillation, such as dizziness and shortness of breath)
  • See your GP as soon as possible if you have chest pain.

Source: NHS 

Covid-19White House

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