WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 18: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the COVID-19 response and the vaccination program in the East Room of the White House on August 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. During his remarks, President Biden announced that he is ordering the United States Department of Health and Human Services to require nursing homes to have vaccinated staff in order for them to receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. The President also announced that Americans would be able to receive a third booster shot against Covid-19. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19, and the White House reported that he is taking Paxlovid, the medication that was approved by the FDA for pharmacies just two weeks ago, to fight early symptoms.
“He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced.
The Biden administration has been working to increase access to Pfizer-produced Paxlovid, which combines two antiviral drugs and has proven effective in faster recoveries. It has also been effective in decreasing hospitalizations in deaths. Paxlavoid needs to be taken within five days of infection to be effective and has mainly been marketed to groups that are more likely to get severely ill, such as the elderly.
The recommended dosage is three pills twice a day for five days.
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In testing, Paxlavoid has also been known to assist in recovery, only for the virus to return just days later. Other than that, side effects are mostly mild and can include nausea, diarrhea, increased blood pressure and muscle aches. The medication has also shown to be less effective in those who are vaccinated.
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