Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was Korea's first oral antiviral agent to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We analyzed the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir prescription rate and treatment outcomes in treatment-eligible patients with COVID-19 receiving home-based care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of patients with COVID-19-eligible for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment from January 14, 2022, to February 15, 2022. We analyzed the prescription rate of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, the reasons for non-prescription, and patient outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 414 patients were included, of whom 44.2% were male, and the mean age was 64.6 (standard deviation [SD] = 8.5). Approximately 73.2% (n = 303) of patients were not prescribed nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. More than fourth-fifths of the patients refused nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment (n = 262, 86.5%). The mean symptom duration was significantly shorter in the prescription group (5.2 days [SD = 2.3] vs. 4.4 days [SD = 1.9], P = 0.001). A total of 6 (1.4%) patients were hospitalized, and none of the patients who received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir required admission. Among the patients prescribed nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (n = 111), 17 (15.3%) patients experienced side effects, and 5 (4.5%) patients discontinued nirmatrelvir/ritonavir due to side effects. CONCLUSION: The nirmatrelvir/ritonavir prescription rate was low, with more than fourth-fifths of non-prescriptions being due to patient refusal. Symptom resolution was faster, and no life-threatening side effects were reported. Accurate information about drug safety must be provided to patients to make informed decisions regarding nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment.