Paper
Cholesterol-lowering drugs for high-risk hypercholesterolemia patients with COVID-19 while on Paxlovid™ therapy
Published Jul 1, 2022 · P. Kovanen, F. Raal, A. Vuorio
Future Virology
15
Citations
0
Influential Citations
Abstract
Paxlovid™ is a promising antiviral oral medication for patients at a high risk of a severe form of COVID-19. Regarding COVID-19 patients who have hypercholesterolemia and are at high or very high risk for an acute atherothrombotic cardiovascular event, we are highlighting patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia as an example of severe hypercholesterolemia. Unfortunately, the concomitant use of Paxlovid and a statin, which is highly dependent on cytochrome P4507A (CYP3A) for clearance, may result in significant drug interactions. Since an abrupt withdrawal of statin use may cause serious negative rebound effects on the cardiovascular system, it is essential to continue statin treatment also during the 5-day Paxlovid treatment period. During Paxlovid treatment, simvastatin and lovastatin need to be substituted with another statin, such as pravastatin or fluvastatin, while a reduction of the dose of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin is recommended.
Paxlovid therapy for COVID-19 patients with severe hypercholesterolemia should be combined with statin treatment, but statins should be substituted or reduced during Paxlovid treatment.
Full text analysis coming soon...