A review paper in JACC warns that the COVID antiviral Paxlovid may interact with common heart medications, potentially complicating treatment options. The authors report that some cardiac patients might need to either avoid Paxlovid or temporarily discontinue their heart medication while receiving the antiviral treatment.
The study includes a detailed list of which heart disease medications have known reactions with Paxlovid. Here are the five most important ones to watch out for:
- Antiarrhythmic agents
- Antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants
- Certain statins
- Ranolazine
- Immunosuppressants for heart transplant patients
Paxlovid’s interactions with blood thinners can increase bleeding risk, and its interactions with some statins can be toxic to the liver. Their conclusions are based on drug-drug interactions and not on any adverse events reported.
The Takeaway
Paxlovid may lead to adverse interactions with drugs commonly prescribed to patients with heart disease. While hospitalized COVID patients face an increased risk for cardiovascular complications and could benefit from an antiviral pill, it may be best to opt for an alternative COVID therapy for those on the above medications.
