Paxlovid's Effectiveness Questioned Amid Concerns of Side Effects and 'Rebound' COVID

Despite its ability to reduce COVID-19 symptoms, many are hesitant to use Paxlovid due to potential side effects, lack of proven benefit for young adults, and failure to prevent long COVID.

• Paxlovid, an antiviral drug, can significantly reduce symptoms of COVID-19 and lower the risk of severe illness or death, but many eligible people aren't using it due to concerns about side effects or 'rebound' COVID.
• There is 'no proven benefit' for young and healthy adults to take Paxlovid, and it may even have potential downsides, including gastrointestinal upset and a bad aftertaste.
• Paxlovid does not reduce the risk of developing long COVID, with about 16% of COVID-19 patients treated with Paxlovid developing long COVID symptoms, compared to 14% of those not given the medication.
• About 21% of people who improved while taking Paxlovid reported 'rebound' symptoms, and about 26% re-tested positive for COVID-19 after testing negative and completing their treatment.
• The federal government stopped offering Paxlovid for free to everyone in the U.S. on Dec. 15, 2023, meaning some people now have to pay for Paxlovid.

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