Paxlovid: A Double-Edged Sword Medication

An anti-covid treatment is arriving in France. Authorities have authorized the sale of Paxlovid, a drug from the Pfizer laboratory. However, pharmacists are skeptical about the emergence of this new treatment.

Are hospitals relieved? That is the promise of the new remedy created by Pfizer. With the emergence of new variants and epidemic waves affecting more and more people, scientists and governments are seeking solutions to combat this epidemic. Paxlovid is a treatment that helps reduce severe forms of Covid-19. This is explained by Claire Marchand, a 30-year-old pharmacist: “It is a treatment in the form of 3 tablets to be taken separately. The goal of Paxlovid is to target the enzyme that allows the virus to multiply in order to reduce the development of the disease.” Since the approval of the Haute Autorité de Santé, which gave the green light for the commercialization of the tablets, more than 500,000 doses have been ordered. The beneficiaries of this medication are primarily “adults with Covid-19 who do not require oxygen therapy and are at high risk of developing a severe form of the disease.” However, even though this approach remains an alternative against this pandemic and its variants, the vaccination plan remains the most effective solution against this virus: “This curative treatment is effective for at-risk individuals, those for whom the vaccine is not effective enough. It’s important to understand that this is not an immune solution, but a reducer of effects,” shares Mélanie Vialaney, a 30-year-old pharmacist.

Problematic side effects

Like any medication, there are uncertainties about possible side effects that patients might experience. The Haute Autorité de Santé has nonetheless warned that in some cases, the intake of these tablets is strongly discouraged. Mélanie explains: “We don’t really know the repercussions since it’s a drug not yet available in pharmacies. But according to the instructions we were given, one should avoid this palliative for people with liver or kidney insufficiencies, those undergoing other treatments in parallel, and pregnant women.” According to a study conducted by Pfizer on its treatment, 1.7% of patients had to abandon the treatment due to aggravated side effects. Other phenomena observed included diarrhea, headaches, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, and throat irritations.
The launch of this medication on the market does not reassure pharmacists, who still have doubts about its effectiveness. “A new variant could emerge at any moment, rendering this medication obsolete. We also don’t know how clients will react to these tablets. I expect a lot of feedback,” Claire expresses. “We need to consider the opinions of those concerned by this treatment. With all the fake news and conspiracy theories circulating everywhere, I couldn’t say whether people will use this alternative.”