COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatment... Is It Safe for Children, Adolescents, Pregnant Women, and Patients?

Children and adolescents aged 12 and over must weigh more than 40kg to take the medication
Breastfeeding should be stopped if medication is taken after childbirth

On the 27th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety granted emergency use authorization for the oral COVID-19 treatment 'Paxlovid'.
/Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The government has given emergency approval for the oral COVID-19 treatment 'Paxlovid' by the US company Pfizer. This has raised interest in whether it can be taken by children and pregnant women.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced on the 27th that this decision was made after deliberation by the 'Public Health Crisis Response Medical Product Safety Management and Supply Committee.'

Pfizer's oral treatment is prescribed for adults with mild to moderate symptoms who are receiving home treatment or are admitted to residential treatment centers.

Children and pregnant women can also be prescribed the oral COVID-19 treatment. However, there are several criteria and precautions.

First, children and adolescents aged 12 and older can take the oral COVID-19 treatment, but their body weight must exceed 40kg.

Patients with liver or kidney disorders can take the medication, but it is not recommended for severe cases.

Patients with arrhythmia, hyperlipidemia, or gout must temporarily discontinue their existing medications when taking Paxlovid.

The MFDS stated that pregnant women can take the medication, but it is recommended only when consultation with medical professionals determines that the benefits outweigh the risks. Also, if the medication is taken after childbirth, breastfeeding should be stopped.

Patients who experience breakthrough infections after vaccination can also take the oral COVID-19 treatment.

Meanwhile, the government announced that if side effects occur after taking Paxlovid, compensation procedures can be applied for through the Korea Institute of Drug Safety & Risk Management.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.