Paxlovid/Rituximab

[BernardBear]

Hello. I'm on rituximab and have been offered Paxlovid antiviral tablets as i have covid. Is there anyone who has taken this medication and if so what was your experience of it? Its suppposed to be taken within 5 days of covid symptoms and thats tomorrow for me so i'm feeling a bit reluctant to take it as its not going to get delivered in time. Any thoughts? Thank you.

[rmros]

I've taken it twice. The second time I only got them just in time, on day 5 and they were still useful. They're really to prevent serious complications but you will probably also test negative sooner and may find you recover more quickly.

It's entirely up to you whether you take them. There are some common side effects like tummy upset and foul taste in the mouth. I had these and it was unpleasant but manageable.

The second time, my covid symptoms weren't severe so initially I didn't pursue getting antivirals again but the GP advised me to take them. I'm glad I did really as my symptoms then got worse.

Whatever you decide, I hope you feel better soon.

[BernardBear in reply to rmros]

Thank you for your reply. I havent decided yet and am still waiting g for the phone call. It may be taken out of my hands if they leave ot too long.

[Lolabridge]

I was very glad I was offered antivirals as I had Rituximab in my system. I couldn’t have Paxlovid but got Molnupiravir.

So glad I had something though and I felt much better quite quickly. I was put in a “virtual Covid ward” and glad to have my self-reported obs monitored as I live alone and no family near to help me.

Keep well hydrated and rest or sleep as much as possible. Hope you recover soon.

[BernardBear in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you Lolabridge. I am day 5 now and still no call so too late if I needed them. Thankfully I have turned a corner and feel alot better today even tho I'm still testing positive. Slight nausea now and then but glad I didn't take the anti viral to be honest. You take care.

[Lolabridge in reply to BernardBear]

The first say is day zero, so do you still have another day? Why don’t you call 119 to chase this up?

[BernardBear in reply to Lolabridge]

No I'll leave it now as I feel better but I will mention being left to my rheum nurse as she referred me for treatment. It would be awful if it happened to someone who needed the treatment and they couldn't get it.

[ma73jon]

Hi BernardBear , I was one year on Rituximab with no effect , now on Kevzara feel better. Didn't have Covid so I don't know ...

12 years with RA not in control yet .

Wish you feel better soon .

[BernardBear in reply to ma73jon]

Hi ma73jon. Like you I've been uncontrolled for 10 years now and I don't think the rituximab is working. My rheum nurse wants me to try a 2nd dose as she thinks it's big ask of rituximab to work after 1 dose and 10 years uncontrolled so I will give it another chance. Thankfully I feel alot better today so im glad I didn't bother with the anti viral meds. Bit annoyed at the lack of contact tho from the team who sort it. Take care I hope you're under control soon!

[ma73jon]

Thank You .

Very curious if it will work for you .

Hope never die .

Have a nice weekend without pain .

[Green230461]

Had paxlovid last week it kept me out of hospital! Told not to take baricitinib until tablets had gone finished yesterday hand swollen knee swollen but covid much better. No longer positive. Only issue was horrid taste of metal in my mouth for an hour after taking pax. Get well soon. 😷

[BernardBear]

Thankfully I got over covid without paxlovid as the dept dealing with antivirals didn't get back to me. I'm negative now and feeling alot better although I'm finding it hard to do much but that's a part of RA anyway! I'm glad you got through your brush with covid ok. Take care and be well 👋

[Jackie1947]

I've taken them with good results.

[BernardBear]

Thank you Jackie1947 I'm glad it all went well for you. Take care and be well.