So, Covid has finally landed in our house. Paxlovid is not an option

[AllyCat]

It’s not an option because of woo. Mr AC came down with symptoms last night and after some pressure from me, did a home test. Positive. Everyone else negative.

He has some risk factors. State health website says doctor or pharmacist can prescribe. Only thing open is the dreaded Walgreens who deferred to urgent care. Called urgent care, only to be informed that the doctor on today doesn’t prescribe it because he “doesn’t believe in it.”

WTF? I asked the nurse about whether he follows “belief” on other kinds of treatments or if science would prevail.

She said “there are different kinds of science”. I’m stunned. This is DANE COUNTY, not some backwoods treatment center. She advised me to have him call his doctor on Monday.

No wonder it isn’t getting prescribed if idiots like this are in charge. Bet he doesn’t believe in women’s healthcare either.

[Karadeniz]

1. Good God! Incredible! At a minimum, a strong letter to the urgent care owner....

[SCantiGOP]

11. I think more effective

Would be to call the local TV station. They love these kind of local human interest stories.

[Talitha]

69. THIS !!!!

[Karadeniz]

71. Yes!

[live love laugh]

2. We're SO fucked up. It's tragic. But sending healing ❤️‍🩹 thoughts

your way.

[AllyCat]

9. Thank you. He has mild symptoms and is ticked because it messed with our plans for the day.

Isolating and wearing a mask. We’ve hung out outside.

I was hoping paxlovid would kick it so he could feel better sooner.

[Phoenix61]

3. I'd get his name and file a report with the licensing board. nt

[onecaliberal]

5. 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻 Please do this.

[AllyCat]

22. Planning on it. She wouldn't give me his name.

Then said he’s the only doctor there that won’t provide it.

[Ms. Toad]

38. Then file the complaint without his name.

Dates, times. They have rosters and will be able to track him down.

[AllyCat]

39. Yup.

[ret5hd]

77. Wouldn't provide the "treating" physicians name???

That…and that alone…is enough to make me call the local television station.

[Anti-tCON]

79. HEAR HERE!

[SYFROYH]

4. I hope you get it. It kicked the virus out of me.

[AllyCat]

10. Good news! I'm hoping Monday is not too late.

[mgardener]

6. 3 of my friends had Covid last week

They all got Paxlovid. And doing well.
My daughter got it too.
After a discussion with the doctor.

I would call the medical board too.
Or your local health Dept.

[70sEraVet]

7. "Take two Clorox tablets and call me in the morning"

[airplaneman]

40. Be sure to get the diet Clorox - not the one with sugar in it n/t.

[AllyCat]

58. Jeez. UV light anyone?

[deurbano]

8. Here is an online provider, and they have doctors in Wisconsin. There are options with and without

insurance. (I have not tried this particular service, so can't vouch for it, but it's worth taking a look, or exploring similar online providers, if you don't want to wait until Monday.)

https://plushcare.com/covid-medications-online/

My husband is experiencing Paxlovid rebound right now, but still happy to have had access to the treatment.

Hoping your husband's case is mild and of short duration!

[AllyCat]

12. Thank you! I will give them a call.

[Solomon]

19. How long after finishing paxlovid did your husband get rebound and how long does the rebound last?

[deurbano]

44. He had symptoms/tested positive/started Paxlovid on July 18th, then tested negative on the 22nd.

He continued to test negative until the 27th. (In previous posts, I said the 26th, but I just rechecked; I think his last negative test was on the 25th, but he didn't test on the 26th.) He tested on the 27th because he started getting symptoms again, which continue, so he hasn't tested today. The first round he had an extremely hoarse voice (much different from symptoms of any previous cold or other illnesses), a very sore throat, coughing, a mild fever and serious fatigue... with the major manifestation of symptoms lasting 2-3 days. This time it's mainly a persistent cough and mild fever, with the fatigue kind of ongoing (never really stopped), but not as severe. His healthcare provider said rebound typically lasts five days or less, so hopefully he will be over it by Monday. His oxygen saturation levels are good, and we have avoided any scary moments, so that's a blessing.

[Solomon]

82. Thank you!

[area51]

13. "there are different kinds of science"

wtaf?

[Celerity]

70. Trump science

https://www.businessinsider.com/ivanka-trump-vape-juice-nicotine-test-iowa-2018-3

[Rebl2]

14. That Urgent care

nurse should not be working in urgent care. Think I would have called my doctors office and left a message for weekend on call doctor. I bet they would send out prescription right away since the dumb Walgreens pharmacy refused to fill it without you seeing idiot at urgent care. I bet that pharmacist knew the nurses beliefs. What a horrible Walgreens. I don’t care for mine either. The few times I went there for prescriptions they were not friendly. The CVS I go to is totally. They are kind to me and friendly.

[AllyCat]

23. Finally got through to his MD's after hours. Waiting for a call back.

[DENVERPOPS]

49. Of course

this all is assuming that the person who answers the phone isn't some right wing nut job, redirecting callers and the Doctor might not even know she is doing it.........

I'll tell you, anything goes with this crowd.........

And given Walgreens record on corrupt business practices, I would certainly suspect anything...........

TWICE they have been caught selling patient Rx and personal information on the open market and fined twice. Of course the fine was paltry compared to the amount they made selling the information..........

It makes me wonder if this woman or Walgreens is getting a kick back for every referral to an urgent care facility.......LOL

[Gaugamela]

15. If they won't adhere to medical standard they shouldn't be licensed. This isn't

about them, it’s about the patient who has a right to expect medical treatment consistent with the current science and practice. Otherwise it’s not medicine.

Imagine going to the hospital with appendicitis and being told that the surgeon on call won’t operate because he doesn’t believe in appendectomies, but he’ll be happy to apply leeches.

[Lefta Dissenter]

16. I'm so sorry,

and OMG, pure craziness. It's just unbelievable that one can be denied treatment just on a whim or based on belief in loony-tunes ideas.

I do hope that Mr. AC gets treated and has a quick recovery, and I hope everyone else in the household stays healthy!

[ARPad95]

17. That so-called doctor has no right to deny treatment with FDA authorized Paxlovid!

5. Can anyone get a Paxlovid prescription?

The FDA authorized Paxlovid for people ages 12 and older who weigh at least 88 pounds. But in order to qualify for a prescription, you must also have had a positive COVID-19 test result and be at high risk for developing severe COVID-19.

That means you must either have certain underlying conditions (including cancer, diabetes, obesity, or others) or be 65 or older (more than 81% of COVID-19 deaths occur in in this group). The more underlying medical conditions a person has, the higher their risk for developing a severe case of COVID-19, according to the CDC.

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/13-things-to-know-paxlovid-covid-19

The sooner your husband receives it, the better.

[Solomon]

18. Covid finally got me last Saturday night. I've done everything one could do to avoid it.

I'm on my last night of paxlovid. I hate the metal taste it leaves in your mouth in the morning but it knocked the Covid right out. Hoping I don't get paxlovid rebound. How long after taking it does the rebound happen?

[luv2fly]

21. This source says a few days after stopping treatment

Paxlovid Rebound: Rare But Real
June 14, 2022
Peter Wehrwein
MHE Publication, MHE June 2022, Volume 32, Issue 6

Mayo Clinic researchers reported today in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases that less than 1% of patients at high risk for experiencing severe COVID-19 who were treated with Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) experienced a second bout of COVID-19.

“Paxlovid rebound is real and poorly understood,” tweeted Bob Wachter, M.D., on May 11. “We need urgent study & pt counseling.”

Wachter’s tweet came as word about possible Paxlovid rebound started to ricochet around social media and conventional media outlets. Wachter, a professor and chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, has emerged as one of the leading social media voices on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paxlovid rebound refers to the phenomenon of symptomatic COVID-19 coming back a few days after people have finished taking the prescribed five-day course of Pfizer’s oral antiviral medication and test negative. No one is sure why it occurs.

https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/view/paxlovid-rebound-rare-but-real

[Rebl2]

56. Makes me

wonder-no matter age-if you don’t rest, in other words you keep working-you are more likely to get rebound Covid after you finish treatment. Fauci had rebound too. Bet he didn’t rest either like he should have. Just a thought.

[MFM008]

20. My son and his wife

Both got it. They gave her paxlovid but they gave him an injection of some stuff betel something and he felt better the next day...
🤧🤒😷

[AllyCat]

34. ??? Will have to look that up. Betel palm?

[LisaL]

43. No, betel palm is not a treatment for covid.

I assume the patient was injected with an antibody Bebtelovimab.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html

[AllyCat]

74. Fascinating. Thanks.

[MFM008]

81. Bebtelovimab

is what they gave my son, one time injection, he went back to work today-
tested negative, he doesnt feel great, hes tired, but they changed his work schedule
and it may have nothing to do with covid....

[Freddie]

24. Pharmacists can prescribe Paxlovid directly

[link:https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-pharmacists-prescribe-paxlovid-certain-limitations|

DH and I had Covid 2 weeks ago and were only really sick for 1 day thanks to this stuff. And it’s free.

[AllyCat]

25. Yeah, Walgreens wouldn't do it.

Last edited Sat Jul 30, 2022, 10:54 PM - Edit history (1)

DHS says they will. Not the $hitty one in our town I guess. On edit: I called a 24 pharmacy in Madtown. Apparently, Wisconsin doesn’t allow pharmacists to prescribe.

[halfulglas]

26. Obviously the urgent care center does not subscribe to best practices.

They should not be employing people who let their emotions and "beliefs" overrule standard best care. Besides reporting the staff to the urgent care center owners, they should also report the urgent care center to the state licensing board for not adhering to best practices. There are standards of care to be adhered to for practice. They are an alternate to the emergency room, they should be up to date on treatments. This isn't something found on the internet. It's recommended treatment by the CDC and FDA.

[1WorldHope]

27. I've seen this happen too

One person had the same experience with an Urgent Care PA, I called my pharmacist at CVS and she said to have the doc send an RX to her and she could fill it. The PA wouldn't do it. My daughter lives in a very small red town but the pharmacist isn't closed minded, he said they had a boat load there waiting for docs to prescribe it. He called her doc for her and she had it by the end of the day. I called the local health dept and asked what the protocol was and got a rude public health nurse. She said there is no protocol, call your doctor! Really bitchy about it.

[COL Mustard]

28. I tested positive earler in July

Started being symptomatic on a Friday evening (poor planning on my part to get sick on a weekend). Called my doc on Monday morning and was prescribed Paxlovid very quickly but it was my choice since it's experimental. I took it and felt better very quickly. I would advise Mr. AC to call his doc on Monday since it needs to be prescribed within 5 days of onset of symptoms.

Best of luck!!!

[Warpy]

29. If he's vaxxed, I can see why a doc might be reluctant to prescribe it.

It showed the most promise in unvaccinated patients. It suppresses viral replication in the early stages of the disease, buying time for the patient's immune system to respond. Otherwise, it takes about 14 days for our immune systems to take it on adequately, people with severe illness tending to crash and burn around day 10.

People who are vaccinated have immune systems that will respond within 3-5 days. The drug is to be taken within the first 5 days, meaning nobody knows for sure if the drug is making a vaccinated person feel better, or if his own immune system has killed the virus.

Rebound has been reported with the drug, but the same thing has occurred after an unmedicated infection.

Here's a handy Q&AL https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/13-things-to-know-paxlovid-covid-19

[LisaL]

33. Paxlovid works in vaccinated individuals.

"Israeli researchers have found that paxlovid use in those at risk of COVID-19 progression remains effective even in fully vaccinated patients."

https://hospitalhealthcare.com/covid-19/paxlovid-remains-effective-in-those-vaccinated-against-covid-19/

[AllyCat]

35. And that is a reasonable explanation.

Except she never asked me if he was vaxxed

[Warpy]

45. If not, he'll still be within the window to take it on Monday

and a different UC doctor might be there.

[AllyCat]

52. Just got a call from after hours nurse. Of course,

I turned off driving focus but I still missed it.

[Texin]

30. I got it too. About 3-1/2 weeks ago. My husband brought it to me

We're both twice vaxxed/and boosted. Both have have had mild symptoms. He got Paxlovid and stilll has symptoms. I didn't. My infection didn't progress into anything more than the mildest of issues: runny nose (unpredictable, but I'm also allergic to pollen and asthmatic). I've had productive phlegmy couging for about two+ weeks and counting, but I'm otherwise okay. Tired, with bouts of really sleepy-lethargic afternoons, but I ain't no spring chicken any more, so there's that. I feel really lucky and profoundly grateful for the vaccine/booster rollout. It very likely save my life and that of my husband.

[AllyCat]

36. No kidding Texin! Hope you are fully recovered soon!

[Texin]

75. This variant (I believe it's the BA-5.1 or whatev) has "rebound" propensities.

It seems to come and go. It has been the same with my husband. He had tested negative for about 2 weeks, then last Thursday, he was positive again, but asymptomatic (which is really a misnomer because there are lingering issues, not serious but annoying).

[oldsoftie]

48. Eventually pretty much ALL of us are going to get it.

With the very infectious strains it'll just be nearly impossible to not get it. unless you just never go anywhere or do anything with anyone.
Thankfully these latest strains, while much more infectious, aren't as severe as the Delta was.

New shots in fall for the new variants.

[3catwoman3]

31. I wonder if he "believes in" ivermectin?

Or immunizations?

[SunSeeker]

32. OMG. That is horrific.

I'm so sorry you're going through that.

[Liberty Belle]

37. this site prescribes paxlovid online, apparently:

https://www.pushhealth.com/drugs/paxlovid?gakey=&gclid=CjwKCAjwrZOXBhACEiwA0EoRD2Z7c3N08NtT7ZnYp4xk3BXF71DsbmEpRTBPGJVwOds2ZB7gq-NWIRoCosQQAvD_BwE

You might also try a major pharmacy chain like CVS.

Also call his doctor and/or health insurance ASAP. Paxlovid is only good if started in first few days of symptoms.

Then file a complaint with your state medical board against the doctor who refused to prescribe it.

[TheBeam19]

41. Maybe a dumb question, sorry, but "because of woo"?

Just curious if that’s a phrase I haven’t heard before.

Regardless, I hope he gets whatever medical attention he needs.

[AllyCat]

51. Anti science, pseudoscience, new-agey beliefs.

[TheBeam19]

67. Thank you.

[IronLionZion]

42. Your primary care doc should be able to prescribe it tomorrow morning

People in the Madison WI area are definitely getting Paxlovid regardless of that one idiot in urgent care.

You may have to pay a bit more for an out of network urgent care or pharmacy to prescribe it. A positive COVID test should be enough to get it.

[Tree Lady]

46. My husband just got diagnosed with covid

Last night in ER. Our last day on vacation driving home he got hoarse and sore throat. He thought it was from air conditioning in hotel. I said I read new variant hoarseness is top symptom. At home he tested negative but I made him isolate because I didn't want any sickness hoping to visit daughter in 3 weeks.

By next night coughing so bad, fever and pain he had me take to ER. They took test and after 4 hrs in waiting room gave him IV fluids some medication and sent home with prescription for Paxlovid because he had Covid.

I got the meds this morning but few hours after he got super sick vomiting from them. Called ER they said he could stop meds and do without. He is fully boosted but has weak immune system.

You would think knowing that he would be more careful but no as soon as law changed in our state to taking off masks he did and all sorts of places on our road trip. Meanwhile I wore a mask in every store.

Now he is saying he feels like he is dying. Always says this when sick so it's hard to know except his oxygen and lungs were fine last night.

Maybe this will wake him up to being more careful.

All I know is it's exhausting taking care of someone and trying not to catch something highly contagious. I will need new cleaners and Lysol after this.

[liberal_mama]

53. My husband also wasn't wearing his mask once the mandate ended and got Covid

I was furious. This was several months ago, but sadly he hasn't learned his lesson and is still not wearing a mask at work or in stores. I don't understand what the big deal is. Some people are such big babies about wearing a mask. I have not been out once since the pandemic started without a good mask on my face. I hope you will be able to isolate from your husband and stay uninfected.

[Skittles]

54. this is how it spreads

it is disappointing how many people are not willing to do the simplest things to stop the spread

[liberal_mama]

59. It disgusts me so much when people aren't willing to wear masks or take any precautions

We've been having some high spread in my area and almost nobody is masking. I personally know about 10 people who weren't masking and they have Covid now, including 4 of my in-laws (who act like I'm a hypochondriac because I wear an N95). They were all begging for the Paxlovid because they felt so sick. Maybe it would be better if they wore a mask and didn't get Covid in the first place. I just don't know what's wrong with people. I'm really worried about the long term consequences this is going to have on the health of Americans.

[Tree Lady]

55. Thanks trying

Mike seemed to act like it would never happen to him. He would get angry if I told him how many cases in our area. Now he is one of them.

[liberal_mama]

60. That's how my husband acted too. Then he shamelessly tells me that he needed a Covid test

and it was positive. I was so mad. They always think it's not going to happen to them. I live in New York State and I know people who are on their 5th Covid infection and they still won't wear a mask. It's infuriating. I told my husband that if he gets it again, he's going to the motel because I'm not dealing with this again. I know how you feel.

[Skittles]

64. preach it, sister

someone needs to get through to these people that their actions - or inactions - have truly terrible consequences

[AllaN01Bear]

47. sounds like they need to be fired for messing with peoples iives .

do no harm and the nurses need to be reminded why they wear the uniform. please keep us informed .

[LAS14]

50. Can you tell us what state this is going on in? nt

[AllyCat]

57. Wisconsin. One of the states that does not allow pharmacists to

Prescribe. Found that out 30 minutes ago calling a 24 hour pharmacy in Madison.

[3Hotdogs]

61. Letter to the state licensing board.

[Lithos]

62. *sigh*

These types of clinics are filled with hedge-row doctors who have the license, but lack the skill (or desire) to maintain a practice. Sometimes the skill is because they are new to the US and have not built up sufficient credit and/or networking, sometimes the skill is because they just barely were able to pass sufficiently to get their license. I suspect you ran into this latter type.

I ran into one PA who was bound and determined to convince me that milk causes phlegm/mucus because of some sympathetic relationship.

[madville]

63. I have COVID right now

So far been a couple of days of 100-101 fever, coughing and runny nose. I got the J&J vaccine in April 2021 and again last November. I don’t feel like I need any extra medication so far, best wishes with y’all’s situation.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

65. Is that what Biden took? I'd be glad cuz he's infected again! nt

[dawg]

76. You misunderstand how Paxlovid works.

It does a great job of preventing serious outcomes, but there is often a sort of "donut-hole" effect with regard to positive tests (and sometimes with symptoms).

The President didn't get re-infected. He just had a rebound of the virus after the 5-day course of the medicine was over and he stopped taking it.

Perhaps this is a mostly harmless thing and/or perhaps they should extend the recommended dosage schedule.

But Paxlovid is still a game changer for most people.

My family all took it, and despite some of us rebounding with positive tests after the pills were gone, all of our cases were very mild and none of us appear to have any lingering after-effects.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

78. Ok thanks. Rebound case different than getting it again :)

[Maraya1969]

66. GOOGLE REVIEW!!!!! They will see it on a google review plus others will too.

[AllyCat]

68. Perfect. Will do.

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

72. Please report him to your State Medical Board.

There are far too many people in the the medical field who place their warped religious beliefs over science and patient health, and there needs to be consequences for them when they put our health and lives in danger.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

80. Two of my law partners have used Paxloid and had great results

One partner is in his 80s and was clear of symptoms in two days and the other partner was clear in three days

Good luck in getting this medicine

[Hortensis]

83. Hopefully, all taken care of now, he's well soon and you stay well.

But this'll give you a chance to identify another healthcare provider in your county that's open on weekends ahead of time. Just in case.