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Paxlovid if you have IBD

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/8/2022 2:05 PM (GMT -8)
Hi
My 18 year son has active UC but he is stable right now on oral and rectal mesalamine (no biologics). He just tested positive for Covid and has a cough. We are trying to decide on Paxlovid. We aren't super worried about a bad response to covid but we are very worried about the immune activity triggering a bad UC flare or long covid given he has a wonky immune system. Was thinking that if Paxlovid reduces viral replication should he take it given his UC, in hopes of reducing stress on immune system?
I am not looking for responses from people who are anti-Vax or anti-western meds (respect your opinion but not helpful to me right now(. Just looking for people with UC who have had COVID and opted for or against Paxlovid for specific reasons.
Thanks
Posted 12/8/2022 2:33 PM (GMT -8)
I checked the archives & could not find a member that has been on it.

Personally, if my dr said I qualified for it, I would take it without any hesitation. Keep in mind I think there is a window of time from when diagnosed & when you can take it. If it hits the lungs that can possibly lead to needing an antibiotic too, which can open up a different can of worms for some people.

Good luck.
Posted 12/8/2022 3:18 PM (GMT -8)
My sister with crohns took paxlovid when she had covid recently. Her symptoms were mild and she considered stopping the paxlovid because it gave her a metallic taste in the mouth. I think she stuck it out to the end though. Not sure if that helps your decision!
Posted 12/8/2022 4:09 PM (GMT -8)
I am on a biologic and very comfortable with western medicine, but I also see a naturopath for acupuncture. I asked her opinion of Paxlovid, and she said she's in favour of anti-viral prescriptions for the reason you said: they specifically work against viral replication, which doesn't carry the same risks for IBD folks as antibiotics that will also happen to wipe out a microbiome, as Susie notes.
Posted 12/8/2022 5:08 PM (GMT -8)
I haven't needed it, but both my GI & PCP said it was ok for me to take if I needed to. Since you have to start on it within 5 days of symptoms if you are going to take it, don't wait too long to decide if you want it.
Posted 12/12/2022 4:53 AM (GMT -8)
I have UC and took Paxlovid two days after testing positive for COVID. I was traveling and couldn’t do a video call with primary doc until then. It was a definite game changer and I would never hesitate to take it. I did have diarrhea (could’ve been from both COVID and Paxlovid), but I could tell it was killing the COVID virus and I was back at work within a few days. My initial COVID symptoms were mostly respiratory - had a hard time catching breath when in a coughing jag. So I really wanted to clear the virus asap and also reduce chance of long COVID.

Post Edited (Ceci_B) : 1/15/2023 8:52:11 PM (GMT-8)

Posted 12/12/2022 10:49 AM (GMT -8)
You won't be able to take it if you're on certain medications. I was refused because I'm on Diltiazem and Rosuvastatin. I could have gone off the statin, but not the other.

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