Paxlovid and rebound

[beanlake14]

I was just wondering how many of you have "rebounded" after using paxlovid. My daughter tested postive May 31. She is 40 and because of a few health issues, she has qualified for paxlovid and will start it today. My worry is that she is scheduled to fly here on June 13. I have CLL and my husband diabetes. I know none of us are doctors or can see into the future, but in your experiences, is 13 days out enough time? She won't come if she doesn't test negative, but I keep reading all of these reports of people testing negative after Paxlovid, but then days later, they end up positive and infecting contacts. Thank you so much. I miss my family ( 2 year old grandson coming too!)but have to gauge the risk.

[TimHB]

I rebounded. I started paxlovid on my 2nd day of symptoms and it had an immediate effect. After 5 days I felt great. I had 2 good days then covid slammed me again for another 5 days. That's just my experience, we're all different. By the way, 5 at-home rapid tests came up negative immediately before and during covid (during which time I flew internationally 😬) but a PCR test confirmed I was positive. My doctor said the rapid tests aren't always picking up this latest strain so I wouldn't rely on them. And he said the PCR test will probably continue to read positive for up to 30 days even after you've recovered and are no longer infectious so he won't re-test me even though I feel fully recovered and am out-and-about again.

[CaptRon1976 in reply to TimHB]

UTI’s rebound if bladder infex medicine not taken long enuf.Doesn’t mean anything wrong with the treatment, just that it was not taken long enough to kill all the infective organisms. I suspect the same is true for Paxlovid.

[TimHB in reply to CaptRon1976]

That was my doctor's theory as well, but Pfizer hasn't confirmed that and doesn't recommend paxlovid for more than 5 days.

[CaptRon1976 in reply to TimHB]

Yes, doctors are between the rock …. Etc. They can’t go “off label” on an EAU drug as they would have no defense if things go wrong even though they might do it otherwise or for themselves.

[beanlake14 in reply to CaptRon1976]

agree

[Davidcara in reply to TimHB]

I’m wondering if you would have benefited from a 7 to 10 day course?

[beanlake14 in reply to TimHB]

Thank you!!!!

[Davidcara]

For most, 5 day course is enough. For many, they do rebound after 5 days. The thought is routine course might need to be 7 to 10 days. Lots of variables.

[Tingy]

I was given Paxlovid on my second day after being diagnosed with covid and tested clear after 7 days. I then had symptoms again so tested positive again and was tested clear with a lateral flow test after another few days. I spoke to a consultant via a referral from my Gp who specialised in lymphoma’s and covid who described it as a ‘blip’. She said it was too dangerous to have more than the original 5 day course of Paxlovid and would do more harm to my body but it actually prevented long covid. The sooner your daughter starts the Paxlovid the better! I wish her well and I hope that that she is able to visit you soon. Good luck and don’t worry because things will work out in the end. Take care .

[beanlake14 in reply to Tingy]

Thank you!!

[Arranbud]

I was given Paxlovid on day after being tested positive. My Covid seemed mild (cold like). Started to feel better quickly - was advised to test on days 6&7 - tested negative on both days.

[KMac1969]

My dad took Paxlovid and did fine with the 5 day regimen. His wife rebounded.. She was sick for a couple weeks.. Same as others.. Felt better, finished the Paxlovid and tested positive again 3 days later.