The two drugs used in COVID-19 antiviral Paxlovid are safe and effective among pregnant patients — who are at high risk for complications if they contract COVID-19 — researchers from Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University found.
Of the 47 pregnant study participants, most were vaccinated and only two stopped taking nirmatrelvir and ritonavir because of side effects, according to a study published Nov. 29 in JAMA.
There were no reported complications with the drug combination, but there was a higher prevalence of cesarean section deliveries than expected. After taking the two drugs, 12 study participants had C-sections, nine of which were planned.