Biden Taking Newly FDA-Authorized Paxlovid After Testing Positive for COVID

Pres. Biden was fully vaccinated and twice-boosted when he tested positive for COVID (Screenshot)

President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and has begun taking Paxlovid, a newly-authorized treatment for patients who are at high-risk from the virus (such as the elderly), the White House announced on Thursday.

The White House noted the treatment in a general press statement reporting the president’s COVID-19 test results:

“This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19.  He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms.  He has begun taking Paxlovid.”

Paxlovid, which is taken in pill form, was fully FDA-authorized for prescription earlier this month, in a July 6 update, titled “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Pharmacists to Prescribe Paxlovid with Certain Limitations.”

Studies have reportedly shown Paxlovid decreases risk of death and hospitalization for unvaccinated people with COVID by 89%, but is less effective for those, like Biden, who are vaccinated and become infected.

“Paxlovid must be taken within five days after symptoms begin,” the FDA notes. The five-day regimen requires patients to take two types of medications: an enzyme inhibitor and a medication to boost the body’s ability to fight off viruses.

Yale Medicine reports that, while the drug tends to be well-tolerated, typical side-effects of Paxlovid include:

• hives
• trouble swallowing or breathing
• swelling of the mouth, lips, or face
• throat tightness
• hoarseness
• skin rash

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