Researchers at Israel’s largest health insurance company, Clalit, have used real-world data to show that treatment with Paxlovid in people over 65 reduces the daily practice death rate by nearly 80 percent. Many hospital admissions are also prevented.
Ronen Arbel and his co-authors published their study on August 24 in the New England Journal of Medicine (Boston/USA). They had investigated the effects of early and adequate treatment of corona-positive people with Paxlovid (active ingredient nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) during the omicron wave.
In Israel, a “fourth stab” was already spread around the turn of the year 2022 due to the flare-up of this virus variant. In addition, from January 9, the antiviral with the two active ingredients was widely used.
In Israel, the focus was initially on the delivery of Paxlovid directly to the homes of eligible patients, similar to what has happened in Vienna in recent months. Paxlovid and molnupiravir should be taken as soon as possible (within the first five days of a positive test). The duration of treatment is also five days.
“Of the 109,254 insured persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 (….), 3902 (four percent) were treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. For seniors (65 years and older), that was even six percent (2484 of the 42,821 infections). Treatment was as planned in the first five days after the positive test, median (mean; note) after two days. The adherence to (participation in) the intake was 97 percent,” wrote the Deutsches Ärzteblatt.
Hospital admissions: 14.7 cases per 100,000 person days
Only 11 of the 2,484 seniors taking Paxlovid required hospital treatment. There were two deaths. According to the calculations, the frequency of hospitalizations among the treated seniors was 14.7 cases per 100,000 person days. For untreated people over 65 years of age, the rate of hospitalizations was 58.9 cases per 100,000 person days. For example, those treated with Paxlovid were 73 percent protected from hospitalization. The risk of death even decreased by 79 percent.
In contrast, no statistically significant difference was observed between those treated with Paxlovid and those not treated in those under 65 years of age. In very rare cases, the infection may “return” after the end of therapy, although this is less common than usual after Covid-19 diseases and is accompanied by minor symptoms.
Molnupiravir also available soon
Just a few days ago, Viennese pneumologist Arshang Valipour also strongly advocated the early use of antiviral drugs against Corona during an online medical training course. From the beginning of September, in addition to Paxlovid, molnupiravir will also be available on prescription and in pharmacies in Austria.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
