Pfizer's 'Paxrovid', an oral treatment for COVID-19, will be used in patients from the 14th at the earliest.
The government announced that if the initial dose of 21,000 Paxrovid is introduced in Korea tomorrow (13th), it will be administered first to the elderly 65 years of age or older and those with weakened immunity who are receiving treatment at home or admitted to a living treatment center.
The following is a Q&A summary of the introduction and use of dietary therapy announced by the government at today's regular briefing at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.
Q. Who is the target of taking food treatment?
▲ Since the amount of the introduced treatment is limited, it will be administered by prioritizing it.
Priority is given to patients with mild to moderate disease (between mild and severe) who are at high risk of progressing to severe disease and who are over 65 years of age or who are immunocompromised and who receive home treatment or are admitted to a living treatment center.
In addition, it must be within 5 days of symptom onset, and asymptomatic patients are excluded from treatment.
Q. What is the scope of immunocompromised persons?
▲ Patients with autoimmune diseases, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infected patients, patients who are undergoing B-cell targeted therapy or solid organ transplant within 1 year, and patients taking immunosuppressive drugs such as steroids.
Q. What should I do if I have leftover medicines?
▲ Even if symptoms improve, you should take all of the toothpaste for 5 days.
You must not sell any leftover drugs.
Illegal sales are prohibited by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. Violation of the law is punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than 50 million won.
It is also illegal to sell leftover drugs to family members for free.
If medication is stopped due to an adverse reaction, etc., the remaining treatment must be returned to the public health center or pharmacy in charge.
Q. I am pregnant or may be pregnant. Can I get a prescription?
▲ If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or lactating, you should inform your healthcare professional before taking Paxrovid.
There is no experience in treating pregnant or lactating women with Paxrovid.
The government is explaining that the benefits to pregnant women and the fetus may outweigh the risks of taking Paxrovid.
Women taking combined hormonal contraceptives should also tell their healthcare professional.
You should also inform your healthcare professional if you have allergies, liver/kidney disease, or other serious medical conditions.
Q. How do I take the medicine?
▲ Take the medicine 3 times a day, 2 times a day for 5 days, in the morning and in the evening.
Two pink pills (Nirlatrelvir) and 1 white pill (ritonavir) must be swallowed whole at the same time.
Do not chew or break the tablet.
The time of taking it is with or without a meal.
If you forget to take a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember if it has not been 8 hours since your previous dose.
If you miss a dose for more than 8 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time.
This means that you should not take a double dose at once.
If your condition worsens or does not improve after 5 days, consult your healthcare provider.
Medicines are stored at room temperature of 15-30℃.
Q. What are the possible side effects of taking Paxrovid?
▲ Taste disorders, diarrhea, increased blood pressure, and muscle pain were observed in clinical trials, but most of the symptoms were mild.
If you have symptoms of suspected side effects, you should contact the medical institution where you were prescribed and discuss stopping or changing the prescription.
You can also report or inquire at the Korea Drug Safety Management Center (☎1644-6223) or Pfizer Korea (☎02-317-2114).
Q. Can I be compensated for damage caused by side effects?
▲ Patients who have suffered serious damage, such as inpatient treatment, can apply for relief from side effects of medicines with the Korea Pharmaceutical Safety Administration.
Q. Classification of medication targets and prescription procedures?
▲ In the basic epidemiologic investigation stage, patients 65 years of age or older are selected as initial subjects.
If you are confirmed as a target for home treatment without hospitalization factors, immediately request non-face-to-face treatment from a managed medical institution.
If a non-face-to-face treatment is judged that it is necessary to administer an oral treatment, the prescription is made immediately.
The pharmacy that receives the prescription dispenses the medicine and delivers it to the patient.
Q. Who delivers?
▲ Since it is difficult for home therapists to come directly to the pharmacy to receive medicine, several alternatives are permitted.
If a family member in co-quarantine needs to pick up medication on their behalf, they can go to the pharmacy and get permission to go out.
If it is difficult for family members to visit directly or to deliver directly from a pharmacy, measures such as the use of a delivery company by the local government or delivery by a managed medical institution are permitted.