He said the drug had been administered to Covid-19 patients as of April 15.

“No side effects have been recorded by the patients either,” he said in a statement today.

Khairy said the Paxlovid medication had been supplied to 512 Covid-19 assessment centres (CACs) and 78 government hospitals.

“The priority for Paxlovid treatment is for high-risk Covid-19 patients who are experiencing light to mild symptoms,” he said.

He also said the ministry remained committed to improving the public’s access to medicines to treat and prevent Covid-19 transmission in Malaysia.

“We will ensure that any medication is properly assessed based on quality, safety and effectiveness,” he said.

A total of 48,000 boxes of Pfizer’s Paxlovid pills were delivered to Pharmaniaga Logistics Sdn Bhd on April 11.

The pills are recommended for Covid-19 patients aged 18 and above, who are not in the high-risk category and do not require oxygen therapy.

The medication should be taken within five days of displaying symptoms to reduce the risk of more severe complications.

Paxlovid is not authorised for use for longer than five consecutive days.

Some of the possible side effects of the drug include joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, high blood pressure, and a change in the sense of taste.

Khairy also pointed out that those above 60 could opt to receive their second booster shot between four and six months after receiving the first booster. The same applied to those between 18 and 59 who suffer from comorbidities.

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