Alongside the vaccines that we now have, doctors are increasingly able to help Covid patients with new treatments. New breakthrough drugs are helping to minimise the risks of hospitalisation and death for those who are struck down with the virus.
One such treatment, Paxlovid, was shown to reduce the risk of hospitalisation or death by a huge 88 per cent in trials and now the medicine has been added to a national study. This will examine how such medication works in a population where most adults are already vaccinated.
It is the second such drug to be included in the PANORAMIC national study which is being run by the University of Oxford in close collaboration with GP hubs, while Paxlovid is also reportedly already available to those classed as immunocompromised. A number of anti-Covid drugs are now available as humankind bites back against the devastating virus.
The NHS is offering antibody and antiviral treatments to people with Coronavirus who are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill.
Approved anti-Covid drugs
According to the NHS, the only approved anti-Covid drugs are:
- Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir (Paxlovid)
- Sotrovimab (Xevudy)
- Remdesivir (Veklury)
- Molnupiravir (Lagevrio)
These are all antiviral medicines, except for Sotrovimab, which is a biological medicine.
The above treatments have been shown in medical trials to help patients suffering from Covid-19 symptoms and can dramatically reduce the risk of falling seriously ill with the virus. However, they are not used for people who have already been admitted to hospital.
Who can have a Covid-19 treatments?
For most people, being vaccinated and having your booster is enough to protect against infection. However, for some, you may be eligible for UK approved treatments.
You're eligible for Covid-19 treatments if all of the following apply:
- You're aged 12 or over
- You're at highest risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19
- You have symptoms of Covid-19
- You have tested positive for Covid-19
