What are the specific efficacy and side effects of nirmatrelvir tablets?

Under normal circumstances, the specific effects of Nirmatrelvir tablets include antiviral action, inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication, enhancement of immune system function, reduction in severe illness rates, and decreased subsequent viral load. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, allergic reactions, and gastroesophageal reflux. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Therapeutic Effects

1. Antiviral Effect
Nirmatrelvir tablets belong to a class of antiviral medications. They primarily work by inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease, thus exerting therapeutic effects against coronavirus variant strains such as XE.

2. Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Replication
Nirmatrelvir tablets can help slow down the replication of HIV, thereby reducing the amount of virus present in the body.

3. Enhancement of Immune System Function
By reducing the viral burden, Nirmatrelvir tablets may also aid in restoring normal immune system function.

4. Reduction in Severe Illness Rate
Nirmatrelvir tablets can be used in patients with impaired immune function, underlying medical conditions, or late-stage pregnancy, as well as in elderly patients with novel coronavirus infection. It helps reduce the rates of severe illness and mortality.

5. Decreased Subsequent Viral Load
As an oral small-molecule antiviral drug targeting SARS-CoV-2, Nirmatrelvir tablets inhibit viral transcription, thereby reducing subsequent viral load.

II. Side Effects

1. Vomiting
The active ingredient in Nirmatrelvir tablets—nirmatrelvir—may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa. Some individuals may experience vomiting after taking the medication. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and switch medications under a doctor’s guidance.

2. Diarrhea
Some patients may experience accelerated gastrointestinal motility after taking the drug, leading to diarrhea and possibly resulting in limb weakness. In such cases, medications such as montmorillonite powder or Bifidobacterium triple viable powder may be used under medical supervision to regulate intestinal flora.

3. Nausea
In some patients, the drug may cause certain damage to gastrointestinal organs, leading to symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, acid reflux, and belching, and may affect normal appetite. At this time, consuming mild foods such as millet porridge or vegetable soup may help alleviate damage to the gastric mucosa.

4. Allergic Reactions
If a patient is allergic to any component of Nirmatrelvir tablets, they may develop severe allergic reactions such as shortness of breath or swelling after ingestion. The drug should be discontinued immediately, and antiallergic medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets or loratadine tablets should be administered under medical guidance.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to clinical symptoms and esophageal mucosal damage caused by excessive exposure of the esophagus to gastric contents. Some patients may develop GERD symptoms after taking Nirmatrelvir tablets. Under a doctor’s direction, medications such as esomeprazole magnesium enteric-coated tablets or famotidine capsules may be used for treatment.

If patients experience any discomfort, they are advised to seek timely medical care to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.