Did PAXLOVID also relieve your arthritis and autoimmune symptoms?

Posted by annewoodmayo @annewoodmayo, Jul 15, 2023

Hi, everyone

I have been diagnosed with autoimmune diseases.
The diagnoses have changed over time (lupus, not lupus, spondyloarthropathy, akylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Raynaud's, Sjorgren and maybe others that I have forgotten... sorry about the spelling).

When I took Paxlovid for Covid, many of my symptoms disappeared or were significantly reduced.

Has this happened to anyone else?

I'm thinking that perhaps my autoimmune disease is somehow based on a VIRUS, since paxlovid is an anti-viral and it was like a miracle cure for my symptoms.

I told my rheumatologist about it, but I couldn't get her to focus on the logical connection between the anti-viral (paxlovid) and the reduction in my symptoms. It was very frustrating. I actually cried in my car after the appointment.

I think this could be a game-changing piece of evidence in my medical treatment and diagnosis. And maybe for other autoimmune disease sufferers, too! But I don't know where to turn with this evidence.

What do you think I should do? What doctor should I go to?
My primary care doctor probably won't offer anything; he never intervenes in my rheumatological care.

Please let me know if you had the same experience: an anti-viral medication (paxlovid or another one) reduced your autoimmune/arthritis symptoms.

I searched around online, and it was hard to find and hard to understand information there. In the CDC's PubMed, I found one source that indicates the possibility that immune suppressing medications can reactivate the Epstein Barr virus in some patients. Epstein Barr causes fatigue, among other symptoms, but fatigue is one of my worst symptoms.

Thanks!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

krzjaz11703 | @krzjaz11703 | Mar 8 5:50pm

In reply to @mghijssels "I am happy to see that many patients have the same experience. I told my story..." + (show)

Doctors don’t seem to care enough because it’s not their pain!
10 years of debilitating pain and chronic fatigue suddenly relieved relieved by a medication not designed for autoimmune disease, THIS IS AN IMPORTANT BREAKTHROUGH! Over ten years of pain due to autoimmune inflammation, swelling so bad that my kneecaps displaced themselves, I will email Mayoclinic and hopefully somebody listens. I am literally terrified this could possibly be only a temporary reprieve. If my pain comes back I will be chasing anyone with a Covid cough to get another round.

mghijssels | @mghijssels | Mar 9 5:58am

I really hope for a breakthrough with this drug. We need to involve as many authorities as possible to get something done.

maj7499 | @maj7499 | Mar 15 12:51am

I'm on Paxlovid, just starting my third day. My Covid symptoms of severe headache, nasal congestion, diarrhea and increased body aches have all disappeared now, but I'm amazed that my chronic osteoarthritis joint pain is gone too! This seems too good to be true. I haven't felt this good in many years. Has anyone else had this happen?

taragray | @taragray | Mar 15 7:29am

In reply to @maj7499 "I'm on Paxlovid, just starting my third day. My Covid symptoms of severe headache, nasal congestion,..." + (show)

I had that happen also. I was in a long Covid study and felt great while taking Paxlovid. It eliminated my joint pain and fatigue. Unfortunately once I stopped taking the medication my symptoms returned. I wish I could figure out why.

arthur57 | @arthur57 | Mar 15 7:47am

In reply to @maj7499 "I'm on Paxlovid, just starting my third day. My Covid symptoms of severe headache, nasal congestion,..." + (show)

Read the comments. Board is full of people like you!

cynthia8686 | @cynthia8686 | Mar 15 10:00am

In reply to @maj7499 "I'm on Paxlovid, just starting my third day. My Covid symptoms of severe headache, nasal congestion,..." + (show)

Yes I have had the same reaction to Paxlovid. I did report this to this thread awhile ago. I also reported it to Pfizer. I hope they do something to make it available to us for pain relief.

maj7499 | @maj7499 | Mar 15 1:16pm

In reply to @maj7499 "I'm on Paxlovid, just starting my third day. My Covid symptoms of severe headache, nasal congestion,..." + (show)

So glad you reported it to Pfizer. I'm going to do the same.

maj7499 | @maj7499 | Mar 15 1:45pm

I had the same experience as you with Paxlovid. I've had 6 doses so far and my usual chronic joint pain has all but disappeared along with my Covid symptoms. What an unexpected but wonderful reprieve. I reported this to Pfizer.

nikhop | @nikhop | Mar 17 12:34pm

Yes I have Celiacs, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Raynaud’s, Hashimoto’s, CVID (I get IVIG every 3 weeks), and sever chronic pain/pelvic pain. Pain I am soooo familiar with. I also experienced the same exact thing. The craziest thing I’ve ever experienced. My head is clear, I feel better and I have almost no pain at all. Praying it will stay that way. I sure wish I knew the answer. For something I was so afraid of and told to stay home stay safe, your immune system isn’t good, I can say thank you covid for the Plaxlovid, lol. God bless you on your pursuit and I think I will be digging into this as well. Hope you will update if you find the answer. God bless you and big hugs🤗

jstugaines | @jstugaines | Mar 18 6:26am

Yesssssss!!!!!!
My story is a bit different, but same results. I developed some type of Arthritis, or Arthritis like disease, after getting Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Pain at times is 10/10 in my hips, knees, shoulders, and especially in my wrists/hands. It is unbearable at times and Meloxicam only provides moderate relief.
I tested positive for Covid for the first time a month ago & my doctor started me on Paxlovid. On day 4 of 5 being on Paxlovid I started feeling like my old self, and 2-3 days after I stopped taking it I felt "normal". I was so happy.
A month later and all the pain, stiffness, and swelling is back. It is depressing. What is more depressing is my primary and rheumatologist are dismissing those results. They are not the ones living in pain. If there is a connection or possible treatment with Paxlovid they should look into it further.

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