Medical Report: How effective are oral medications in treating COVID-19?

In this photo illustration, Pfizer's Paxlovid is displayed on July 07, 2022 in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The US Food and Drug Administration revised the emergency use authorization for Paxlovid, Pfizer's Covid-19 antiviral treatment, to allow state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe the treatment to people.
In this photo illustration, Pfizer's Paxlovid is displayed on July 07, 2022 in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The US Food and Drug Administration revised the emergency use authorization for Paxlovid, Pfizer's Covid-19 antiviral treatment, to allow state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe the treatment to people. Photo credit Joe Raedle/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The American College of Physicians has issued the latest updates regarding Paxlovid and Lagevrio, the two oral medications used to help treat COVID-19.

As expected, when tested against a placebo or a sugar pill — or no treatment at all — patients at high risk were less likely to be hospitalized if treated within the first five days after infection.

The experts also recommend that, if possible, each case be discussed with your physician to determine if you require the medication. Studies are continuing as we look at new variants.

Since the first encounter with COVID-19, the virus has continued to mutate and our treatments had to adjust. Nothing is 100%.

Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.

​​KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images