Paxlovid Doesn’t Reduce Risk of Long COVID, Potentially Linked to Rebound Symptoms: Study

Researchers found little difference in outcomes between Paxlovid users and nonusers. They also found 1 in 5 users experienced rebound symptoms.

Pfizer's Paxlovid in a file photograph. Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters/Illustration

Paxlovid, an antiviral medication prescribed to treat symptoms associated with COVID-19, doesn’t reduce the risk of developing long COVID in vaccinated people recovering at home, according to new research.

That insight comes from a new study published in the Journal of Medical Virology on Jan. 4. Conducted by a team of researchers from the University of California–San Francisco, the study also found that more people are experiencing rebounds of their COVID-19 symptoms after taking Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) than previously reported.