The “Joy” of Covid Anti-Virals: Not for the Reproducing Though By Mrs Vera West

The Fin Review has material on how Covid antivirals can affect reproductive health in both men and women. The two drugs approved in Australia, Lagevrio and Paxlovid, each have their own effects, with Lagevrio affecting sperm, and Paxlovid having possible drug interactions. Covid critics have argued that costs outweigh any benefits.   

https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/doctors-warn-antivirals-can-affect-reproductive-health-in-men-and-women-20220711-p5b0r6

“If you are on, or have recently taken antivirals for COVID-19, and there is even a remote chance you may conceive a child, think about taking contraception.

These drugs, which have just become more widely available and could be taken by millions of Australian, can temporarily affect reproductive health in both men and women.

Which antiviral should you take? Professor Hilmer says one is more effective, while the other is deemed safe for more people. 

The two brands approved in Australia, Lagevrio and Paxlovid, have different potential effects on reproduction and on pre-existing health issues.

Lagevrio can affect sperm at any stage during the two or three months they take to develop and reach maturity. Consequently, the official recommendation is that men use contraception while being treated with the drug, and for three months afterwards.

The recommendation is that women taking Lagevrio should use contraception during treatment and for four days afterwards.

People taking Paxlovid should use effective forms of contraception during treatment and for seven days afterwards.

Women taking the contraceptive pill should use extra protection if they are on Paxlovid, as it may affect the effectiveness of “the pill”.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to take neither drug.

Another consideration, experts say, is the potential interaction between antivirals and other common drugs.

“There are serious interactions between Paxlovid and commonly taken drugs, such as some of those for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gout and depression,” said Sarah Hilmer, the head of the department of clinical pharmacology at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital.

“Other drugs too, including those bought over the counter and even complementary medications such as St John’s Wort, can make Paxlovid ineffective,” she said.

“If you are taking Paxlovid, you need to go through all your medications with your doctor to make sure there are no dangerous interactions.

“While some people will not be able to take Paxlovid due to interactions with their other drugs, many may be able to pause their current drugs while they take Paxlovid.

“If you have kidney or liver problems, you need to consult your doctor to see if you can take Paxlovid. Those with mild moderate kidney disease can take it at a reduced dose.”

While Paxlovid appears to be the more effective of the two antivirals, she says more people can take Lagevrio safely. No drug interactions have been identified with Lagevrio, and it can be taken by people with kidney and liver disease.

She says diarrhoea and nausea are common side effects reported by people taking either drug. Paxlovid may also change taste perception in some people.”

 

 

 

 

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Sunday, 24 November 2024

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