Rebound COVID after Plaxovid.

[Gradyboy]

So I took a COVID test yesterday just for the heck of it since having COVID starting March 26 and was treated with Paxlovid. Well to my surprise it came back positive. I tested negative after 6 days on paxlovid. I have zero symptoms. I called my oncologist and he is pulling me off the Venclexta for 2 weeks. This makes me nervous. Has anyone else had this experience? I wish I never took that test. I am so scared my lymphnodes will start swelling again.

[mdsp7]

I also experienced a rebound after testing negative for Covid following treatment with Paxlovid. Because I had symptoms and a high viral load, and was abroad, I was given a second course of Paxlovid and once it was finished I flew home and recovered fully. My son in law who was sick with Covid at the same time as I (though an ocean away) also had a rebound Covid infection some days after having tested negative. We both fully recovered with no lasting problems, but it took a couple of weeks. I expect that with a little rest and relaxation you will soon recover too, and be back on your CLL meds.

Take good care of yourself. I hope you can find a good project to do or book to read while you get better. Good luck!

[Gradyboy in reply to mdsp7]

Thank you! I feel completely normal. No symptoms. I am just so frustrated.

[mdsp7 in reply to Gradyboy]

What is your biggest frustration? I have not been on CLL medicines yet, but it is likely that someday I will need them. I am always wanting to learn about other people's experiences with treatment. Did the medicine really help you feel better, and now you are concerned that being off the medicine will make your CLL ramp up? Or is it something else?

[Gradyboy in reply to mdsp7]

Yes I am worried my CLL will ramp up. It instantly made me feel so good. But I'm just worried this COVID is never going to be gone. I don't like missing work. Although they just approved me to work from home until this straighten up. It's hard to stay in isolation when you feel just fine. I have been on Venclexta for five months and completed the obinutuzumab infusions 3 weeks ago today. I feel really good on treatment.

[Pageboy]

I tested positive again four days after Paxlovid and was positive for weeks but stayed on my Acalabrutinib (off it during the Paxlovid). Have they taken you off V because you can’t go to the hospital? If you feel fine, what is your work policy? A lot of people will be walking around with Covid, and while I’m not saying that’s a good thing, there is an argument that after the five days isolation you’re no longer so contagious even if you still test positive. But maybe you can get out and about with a mask on in closed spaces to protect others?

[Gradyboy in reply to Pageboy]

It is my understanding that he wants me off the Venclexta to give my immunity a little boost. I will go back to the office after 5 days as long as I don't get a fever. I don't have any symptoms as of yet.

[SofiaDeo in reply to Gradyboy]

Venclexta uses the same liver enzymes as Paxlovid, one goes off the V to make sure you don't get toxic V levels while on the Paxlovid.

Since the Paxlovid inhibits the breakdown of Venclexta, you will have some of it staying in your body. So it actually won't be "5 days with no Venclexta on board".

[Gradyboy in reply to SofiaDeo]

I am not taking a second course of plaxovid. I don't have any symptoms. Dr still is holding my Venclexta for two weeks.

[Freedom202]

hi Gradyboy. I tested positive for covid in February and was prescribed Paxlovid which worked really well at completely getting rid of my covid symptoms which were quite bad. I had to stop taking ventoclax for two weeks and had no problems with any recurring CLL symptoms. My glands had been very enlarged before treatment. I also had to stop taking it for two weeks last September when I had surgery and I didn’t have any recurring CLL symptoms then either. Hope this helps

[Gradyboy in reply to Freedom202]

Thank you for that. It does help a lot. I just get so anxious about this stuff.

[Gradyboy]

Did they take you off the Venclexta when you were on the paxlovid? When I was on paxlovid they reduced my dose to 100mlg. Now with the rebound I am not going back on paxlovid but off the Venclexta for two weeks. I have no COVID symptoms just testing positive after testing negative a week ago.