How fast does paxlovid work
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
How Fast Does Paxlovid Work?
Paxlovid Effectiveness in Reducing Hospitalization and Death
Paxlovid, an oral antiviral treatment developed by Pfizer, has shown significant effectiveness in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death in COVID-19 patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated that when administered within three days of symptom onset, Paxlovid significantly reduces the likelihood of hospitalization and death. Specifically, only 0.8% of patients treated with Paxlovid were admitted to the hospital, compared to 7% of those who received a placebo, with no deaths reported in the Paxlovid group1.
Impact of Timing on Paxlovid Efficacy
The timing of Paxlovid administration is crucial for its effectiveness. Studies indicate that Paxlovid is most effective when given within five days of symptom onset. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), early administration of Paxlovid (within five days of diagnosis) resulted in shorter hospital stays and lower rehospitalization rates compared to those who received the treatment later. Patients who received Paxlovid after five days had longer durations of positive PCR tests and extended hospital stays2. This underscores the importance of early intervention to maximize the drug's benefits.
Paxlovid's Rapid Development and Regulatory Approval
Paxlovid's development and approval process was remarkably swift. The antiviral ingredient, nirmatrelvir, was developed and tested within a year, leading to emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2021. Clinical trials showed that Paxlovid reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 88% when administered within five days of symptom onset, prompting the federal government to secure enough doses to treat 20 million people3.
Paxlovid in Pediatric Patients
In pediatric patients with hematological diseases infected with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, Paxlovid has been found to be safe and effective. Children treated with Paxlovid experienced shorter durations of fever and faster viral clearance compared to those who did not receive the treatment. No significant adverse reactions were reported, highlighting Paxlovid's potential as a viable treatment option for younger populations with underlying health conditions4.
Conclusion
Paxlovid is a highly effective antiviral treatment for COVID-19, particularly when administered early in the course of the disease. Its ability to significantly reduce hospitalization and death rates, combined with its rapid development and approval, makes it a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19. Early administration is key to maximizing its benefits, and it has shown promise even in vulnerable populations such as children with hematological diseases.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Covid-19: Pfizer’s paxlovid is 89% effective in patients at risk of serious illness, company reports
Paxlovid is 89% effective in reducing hospital admissions and deaths in Covid-19 patients, with no deaths observed in the study.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Rigorous Journal
Highly Cited#5505 EFFICACY OF PAXLOVID WITHIN 5 DAYS VERSUS 5 DAYS AFTER DIAGNOSIS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Paxlovid is effective in COVID-19 patients with chronic kidney disease, but its use within 5 days of diagnosis is associated with more severe disease and increased use of glucocorticoids.
The Path to Paxlovid
Paxlovid, Pfizer's oral COVID-19 treatment, reduced hospitalization or death risk by 88% when given within 5 days of onset, making it a lifeline for those at high risk of serious disease.
Clinical efficacy analysis of paxlovid in children with hematological diseases infected with the omicron SARS-CoV-2 new variant
Paxlovid is a safe and effective treatment for children 12 years old and younger with underlying hematological diseases infected with the new coronavirus, with no apparent adverse reactions.
Observational StudyThe efficacy of paxlovid in elderly patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants: Results of a non-randomized clinical trial
Paxlovid significantly reduces the nucleic acid shedding time in Chinese elder patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants.
RCTThe feasibility, safety, and efficacy of Paxlovid treatment in SARS-CoV-2-infected children aged 6–14 years: a cohort study
Paxlovid is a feasible option for treating SARS-CoV-2-infected children aged 6-14 years with underlying diseases, but further large-scale studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.
Observational StudyEffectiveness of Paxlovid in Reducing Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Mortality in High-Risk Patients
Paxlovid effectively reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 or mortality in high-risk patients, with greater effectiveness in older, immunosuppressed, and patients with underlying neurological or cardiovascular diseases.
Observational StudyHighly CitedAppraisal of evidence reliability and applicability of Paxlovid as treatment for SARS‐COV‐2 infection: A systematic review
Paxlovid significantly reduces death and hospitalization risk in older COVID-19 patients, but does not improve outcomes in patients aged 65 years.
Systematic ReviewEffectiveness of Paxlovid, an Oral Antiviral Drug, Against the Omicron BA.5 Variant in Korea: Severe Progression and Death Between July and November 2022
Paxlovid effectively reduces the risk of death due to COVID-19 in patients with omicron BA.5 infection, especially in older patients, regardless of vaccination status.
Observational StudyPaxlovid-Induced Symptomatic Bradycardia and Syncope
Paxlovid, a COVID-19 treatment, may cause symptomatic bradycardia and syncope, and prompt discontinuation and intravenous atropine can help reverse these symptoms.
Case Report