Do you have COVID in MS? These pills work as well as antibody infusions, and they’re free
There are tens of thousands of doses of oral antiviral medications that are proven to work just as well as the monoclonal antibody infusion for COVID-19 patients, and they’re being underutilized in Mississippi, the state’s top health experts said Friday during a state health department press conference.
Mississippi is in short supply of sotrovimab, the monclonal antibody treatment that is proven to lessen symptoms for coronavirus patients with the omicron variant, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said.
But the state has thousands of doses of two pills that can help COVID patients recover faster.
More than 2,600 doses of paxlovid and nearly 11,000 doses of molnupiravir have been allocated to Mississippi. In comparison, just 347 doses of the sotrovimab are available in the state this week.
Dr. Daniel Edney, Mississippi’s chief medical officer, said patients have seen great results from the oral medication.
“All of them are very effective. Patients are reporting feeling better much more quickly,” he said.
Dobbs and Edney urged coronavirus patients to speak to their doctors or go to a community clinic or health department to see if one of the two pills is right for them.
“We have unused tools in our toolbox,” Dobbs said. “They can help save Mississippi lives.”
Edney and Dobbs both urged Mississippians to get vaccinated and boosted, saying it’s the most effective way to prevent serious illness and death from COVID.
Here’s everything you need to know about the oral treatments.
Are the pills available over the counter?
Paxlovid and molnupiravir require medical supervision and must be acquired via prescription from a doctor, Dobbs said. Those who cannot pay to see a doctor or without insurance should visit their local health department for treatment.
How much do they cost?
The pills are free, but your pharmacy may charge a dispensing fee, Dobbs said.
Can the pills be used as a preventive COVID treatment?
Dobbs said paxlovid and molupiravir are “powerful preventative treatments” for people who are most likely not going to respond to a vaccine, such as those with weakened immune system or people have received organ transplants. Patients on chemotherapy can also take them for preventive measure.
Dobbs said the pills have been sent to cancer treatment centers and to the organ transplant program and University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Why are there so many doses?
Dobbs said there are so many doses available because people either don’t know about them, or there’s a misconception that the state is out of them.
“We don’t have many doses of monoclonals. We have a lot of underutilized orals,” he said.
Who is eligible for treatment?
Edney said there are no restrictions on who can get a prescription once there is a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Do the pills shorten isolation or quarantine periods?
No, COVID-19 patients should still follow the isolation and quarantine guidelines recommended by the CDC and health department.
Are there side effects?
The oral medications are not right for everyone, Dobbs said. Paxlovid does not mix well with several other medications, and molupiravir likely should not be taken by women are who are pregnant trying to get pregnant, or by men who are planning to have a baby.
Where can I find the pills?
Many Walmart and Kroger stores across the state have doses of paxlovid and molupiravir ready to dispense. Many pharmacies also have both in stock.
You can find oral antiviral treatments in your area on this list provided by the health department which includes places in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties on the Mississippi Coast. MSDH also provides this searchable interactive map to find treatment.
The health department reported 2,212 new cases of COVID on Friday, with 50 additional deaths and 219 ongoing outbreaks at long-term care facilities.
