Paxlovid – Paxista

What is Paxlovid – Paxista?

Paxlovid – Paxista is a generic version of Paxlovid, a combination antiviral medication developed to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 infections in individuals at high risk for developing severe illness. Paxista is manufactured by Azista Industries, while the original Paxlovid was developed by Pfizer.

Paxista contains two active ingredients:

• Nirmatrelvir (150 mg)

• Ritonavir (100 mg)

The medication is used to prevent hospitalization, complications, and death from COVID-19 when taken within 5 days of symptom onset. It is available by prescription and has been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or full approval in many regions for use in non-hospitalized patients who are at risk of progressing to severe disease.

How Does Paxlovid – Paxista Work?

Paxista works through a dual-action antiviral approach, targeting the replication process of the SARS-CoV-2 virus:

1. Nirmatrelvir: This is the main antiviral agent. It inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), an enzyme the virus needs to reproduce. By blocking this enzyme, Nirmatrelvir prevents the virus from multiplying inside the body.

2. Ritonavir: This drug does not act directly on the virus. Instead, it boosts the effect of Nirmatrelvir by slowing its breakdown in the liver. Ritonavir is a known CYP3A inhibitor, which ensures that Nirmatrelvir stays in the body longer and at effective levels.

Together, these medications reduce the viral load, limit the spread of the virus in the body, and help the immune system fight the infection more effectively.

Benefits of Paxlovid – Paxista

• Reduces Risk of Hospitalization and Death: Clinical trials have shown that Paxlovid can reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by up to 89% when started within 5 days of symptoms.

• Oral Treatment: Unlike monoclonal antibodies or remdesivir, Paxista is a pill taken at home, offering ease of use.

• Rapid Viral Suppression: The antiviral action helps lower the viral load quickly, potentially reducing symptom severity and duration.

• Protects High-Risk Individuals: Beneficial for those with underlying conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disorders, or compromised immunity.

• Can Be Used With Vaccination: Paxista is effective regardless of vaccination status, making it useful for breakthrough infections.

• Helps Prevent Spread: By reducing the duration and severity of infection, Paxista may lower transmission risk to others.

How to Take Paxlovid – Paxista

Standard Dosage (for adults and adolescents 12+ weighing at least 40 kg):

• Two tablets of Nirmatrelvir (150 mg each) + One tablet of Ritonavir (100 mg)

• Taken together, twice daily for 5 days

• Total of 30 tablets per treatment course

Important Guidelines:

• Start within 5 days of symptom onset

• Take with or without food

• Swallow tablets whole with water — do not crush or split

• Complete the full 5-day course even if symptoms improve early

Missed Dose:

• If less than 8 hours have passed, take the missed dose

• If more than 8 hours, skip the missed dose — do not double dose

Who Makes Paxlovid – Paxista?

Paxista is manufactured by Azista Industries Pvt. Ltd., an Indian pharmaceutical company known for producing high-quality generics. Azista’s version is widely used in countries where affordable alternatives to Paxlovid are needed to manage COVID-19 outbreaks.

Azista ensures that Paxista meets the same bioequivalence standards as the original Paxlovid by Pfizer and follows WHO and GMP-certified manufacturing practices.

Is Paxista Safe for Humans?

Yes, Paxista is safe for human use when prescribed by a healthcare professional. The drug combination has been evaluated in clinical trials and has shown high efficacy with a favorable safety profile.

However, due to the presence of Ritonavir, Paxista has the potential for numerous drug interactions. Ritonavir affects liver enzymes that metabolize other medications, so a full review of the patient’s current medications is necessary.

Paxista is not recommended for:

• People with severe kidney or liver impairment

• Individuals taking drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance

• Patients who are allergic to any of the components

Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting the medication.

Side Effects of Paxlovid – Paxista

Most side effects are mild and go away on their own.

Common Side Effects:

• Altered or metallic taste (dysgeusia)

• Diarrhea

• High blood pressure

• Muscle aches

• Headache

Less Common but Serious Effects:

• Liver enzyme elevation

• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)

• Severe drug interactions

• Rebound COVID-19 symptoms after completing the treatment (seen in rare cases)

If any serious side effects occur, stop the medication and seek immediate medical help.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Paxista (generic Paxlovid) is a prescription antiviral drug that must be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Misuse or self-medication can result in harmful effects, especially due to potential drug interactions. Always consult your doctor before beginning treatment, and disclose your full medical history and medications.