- On January 14, 2022, Cofepris authorized the emergency use of Paxlovid in Mexico.
- This antiviral treatment is indicated for people over 50 years of age or younger who meet some specific conditions.
- The two components of the drug work together to reduce the hospitalization and mortality rate from Covid-19 by up to 88%.
Three years after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world is relatively calm. The transmission of the disease is at one of its lowest points but in no way should one be overconfident. For its part, among the main findings of this health emergency is the development of drugs like Paxlovid because they have been fundamental in reducing serious conditions that can be fatal.
In this case it is a pill developed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. It is a medicine that combines nirmatrelvir and ritonavir in tablet form and is intended to care for adult patients with mild or moderate Covid-19 and at risk of complications.
Since January 14, 2022, it has been available in Mexico thanks to the authorization for emergency use by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris).
How does it work?
The authorization was given after examining the scientific evidence presented by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer SA de CV Previously, experts from the National Committee for Science, Technology and Innovation in Public Health of the National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt), and the Committee for New Molecules (CMN).
The two components of Paxlovid work together to reduce hospitalization and mortality rates from this virus by up to 88%. The first, nirmatrelvir, inhibits a SARS-CoV-2 protein, preventing the virus from replicating. While the second, ritonavir, slows down the breakdown of the drug to help it stay in the body longer.
However, a very important point is to know the cases in which this drug can be prescribed. First of all, it must be made clear that it is a exclusive decision of a specialist because a general practitioner does not have the faculties to do so.
Criteria that must be met to receive the drug
As already mentioned, this drug can be used in people 50 years of age or older, regardless of comorbidities and their vaccination status.
With respect to people between the ages of 18 and 49, the Health Secretary (SSa) indicates that the following diseases or conditions must be met in order to receive Paxlovid:
- Lung diseases (asthma, COPD, among others).
- HIV without adequate control.
- Active cancer.
- Liver diseases.
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Heart disease.
- Use of drugs that decrease the response of the immune system.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Chronic kidney disease (GFR above 30 ml).
Paxlovid is indicated for adults with a higher risk of serious illness from #COVID19https://t.co/k1qlbavjrm#paxlovid pic.twitter.com/ztx4qTRm29
– Health SPPS (@SaludSPPS) March 5, 2023
Besides, Although Paxlovid is authorized in Mexico, it is not yet for sale nor can it be marketed. At the moment this antiviral treatment is for the exclusive use of health institutions. Therefore it cannot be purchased in pharmacies or through other distributors.
In case of identifying its free sale to the public, a health complaint in the following link. Its irregular consumption constitutes a health risk because it is of dubious origin.
Also read:
WHO recommends the antiviral Paxlovid for Covid-19 patients: These are the requirements
First units of Paxlovid arrive in Mexico and they will all be free
Cofepris authorizes a second pill against Covid-19: Pfizer’s Paxlovid
