Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir
About Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir
Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir is primarily used to treat COVID-19, an infectious disease mainly affecting the respiratory system. COVID-19 (Coronavirus), also known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2), is an infectious disease caused by the coronavirus.
Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir contains Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir. These drugs belong to the protease inhibitor class. They work by inhibiting the virus's ability to replicate inside cells, preventing the spread of new viruses. As a result, Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir reduces the viral presence in the body, helping to manage and treat the infection.
Take Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir may cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dysgeusia (change in taste). Most of these side effects of Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Please do not take Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Seek medical advice before taking Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir is not recommended for children and teenagers below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir
Medicinal Benefits
Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir belongs to a class of drugs called antiviral medications primarily used to treat COVID-19 (coronavirus). Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir works by preventing the virus from replicating within the cells, which helps to stop its replication in the body. As a result, Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir lowers the viral infection in the body.
Directions for Use
Swallow Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Altered taste
Drug Warnings
Please do not take Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you have severe liver disease. Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, haemophilia, hepatotoxicity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, liver problems, heart problems, or if you are taking any other medicines. Consult your doctor before taking Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir if you are pregnant and breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir can reduce the effectiveness of medications used to manage HIV. Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir should not be given to children below 18 years old as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Tell your doctor about your health condition and medicines to avoid side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking lipid-lowering agents (rosuvastatin, atorvastatin), anti-coagulant (apixaban, rivaroxaban), anti-HIV (efavirenz, tenofovir), Antiarrhythmics (amiodarone, digoxin) antiasthmatic (theophylline), anti-convulsant (carbamazepine), anticancer (afatinib, abemaciclib), calcium channel blocker (diltiazem, verapamil), or analgesics (buprenorphine, methadone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir if you have kidney disease, haemophilia, hepatotoxicity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, renal problems, liver problems and heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please seek medical advice. Pregnant women are only given Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir if their doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir is prescribed during breastfeeding, the doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding as this medicine can pass into breast milk.
Driving
cautionLimited information is available about using Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir while driving, so please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Liver
cautionNirmatrelvir+ritonavir should be used with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease or condition. Please seek medical advice. Avoid taking Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir if you have severe liver problems.
Kidney
cautionTake Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Avoid taking Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir if you have severe kidney problems.
Children
cautionNirmatrelvir+ritonavir is not recommended for children and adolescents below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and beverages, to stay hydrated and loosen mucus.
- Include a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support immune function.
- Always remember to wear a mask when you're around other people. Masks help prevent the spread of illness.
- Keep a social distance and avoid social gatherings.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- Hands should be washed with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser on a regular basis.
- Gargling with salt water and inhaling steam would be beneficial.
Special Advise
- Appropriate laboratory testing should be performed before starting Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir and at regular intervals or if any clinical signs or symptoms appear during therapy.
- Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
COVID-19: Coronavirus disease, also known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2), is an infectious disease caused by the coronavirus. It belongs to a group of RNA viruses and has crown-like projections on the pathogen's surface. The virus transmits through droplets generated from an infectious person's cough, sneeze or heavy breathing. The common symptoms of Coronavirus disease are dry cough, breathlessness, shortness of breath, tiredness, body pains, headache, fever, loss of sense of taste and smell, diarrhoea, and sore throat.
FAQs
Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir belongs to a class of drugs called antiviral medications, which are primarily used to treat COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19, a respiratory disease that can produce mild to severe symptoms.
Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir works by preventing the virus from replicating within the cells, which helps to stop its spread in the body. Thereby it prevents the production of the new virus.
If you miss a dose within 8 hours of your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 8 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses simultaneously to make up for a missed dose.
Inform your doctor if you are taking Atorvastatin. Combining these drugs may elevate atorvastatin levels in the blood. This increases the chance of side effects such as liver damage and rhabdomyolysis, an uncommon but deadly illness characterised by the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue.
You are recommended to inform your doctor before taking any other medicines with Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir. Your doctor will notify you regarding medicines that should not be taken along with Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir.
Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir is used with Ritonavir to help it remain in your body longer and work more effectively. It slows the breakdown of ritonavir, allowing you to experience a stronger effect from the medication. This combination helps better manage COVID-19 and improve your treatment results.
Do not stop taking Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir without consulting your doctor, as it may reduce the medication’s effectiveness. To treat your condition effectively, continue taking Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir for as long as prescribed by your doctor. If you experience any difficulty taking Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir, do not hesitate to speak with your doctor.
The side effects of Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dysgeusia (change in taste). Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen
