Joe Biden is taking the drug Paxlovid in his battle against COVID-19, the White House said while announcing the president’s diagnosis.
‘He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,’ said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
The anti-viral drug is intended for use by patients who are considered likely to become seriously ill from the deadly virus, such as elders and people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease.
Though the FDA approved the drug for use treating COVID last December, pharmacists were authorized to administer the drug only just two weeks ago. Until early July the drug could only be prescribed by physicians, according to PBS.
The drug’s approval comes after the Biden administration spent months trying to increase access to the drug, which studies showed decreased both deaths and hospitalizations in unvaccinated COVID patients by nearly 90 per cent.
Despite those strong numbers the drug was found to be less effective in treating vaccinated patients – which Biden is three times over – and doctor’s have reported symptoms returning in some patients after Paxlovid treatment.
Joe Biden is taking the drug Paxlovid in his battle against COVID-19, the White House said while announcing the president’s diagnosis
The anti-viral drug is intended for use by patients who are considered likely to become seriously ill from the deadly virus, such as elders and people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease.