Paxlovid is a medication that is used to treat people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. It is approved for use in people aged 12 years and older, and who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. Paxlovid is a combination of two antiviral medications, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. It is taken in the form of three pills taken together, twice a day for five days.
Paxlovid is not a cure for COVID-19, but it can help to reduce the severity of the illness and the risk of hospitalisation or death.
The following people are eligible for Paxlovid:
Who is eligible for Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is an antiviral medication for treating COVID-19. It is available to certain groups of people.
- Age 12 and older
- High risk of severe COVID-19
- Positive COVID-19 test
- Symptoms started in last 5 days
- Not hospitalised
- Not taking certain medications
- Normal kidney and liver function
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: consult doctor
- Paxlovid not a cure, but can reduce severity
- Take Paxlovid as prescribed
If you meet these criteria, talk to your doctor to see if Paxlovid is right for you.
Age 12 and older
Paxlovid is authorised for use in people aged 12 years and older. This means that children under the age of 12 are not eligible for Paxlovid.
The decision to limit Paxlovid to people aged 12 and older was made based on clinical trial data. The clinical trials for Paxlovid did not include children under the age of 12, so there is no safety and efficacy data for this age group.
Additionally, children under the age of 12 are generally at lower risk of developing severe COVID-19 than adults. Therefore, the benefits of Paxlovid for children under the age of 12 are likely to be smaller than the benefits for adults.
However, it is important to note that some children under the age of 12 may still be at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. For example, children with certain medical conditions, such as cancer or heart disease, may be at higher risk. In these cases, a doctor may consider prescribing Paxlovid to a child under the age of 12, even though they are not officially eligible.
If you are under the age of 12 and you have COVID-19, talk to your doctor about whether or not Paxlovid is right for you.
High risk of severe COVID-19
People who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 are eligible for Paxlovid. This includes people who are:
- Aged 65 years or older
People aged 65 years or older are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, even if they are healthy.
- Have certain medical conditions
People with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, cancer, diabetes, or obesity, are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19.
- Have a weakened immune system
People with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those taking immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19.
- Pregnant women
Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, especially in the third trimester.
If you are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, talk to your doctor about whether or not Paxlovid is right for you.
Positive COVID-19 test
To be eligible for Paxlovid, you must have a positive COVID-19 test. This means that you must have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
You can get a COVID-19 test at a variety of locations, including doctor's offices, pharmacies, and community testing sites. If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from others and contact your doctor to see if Paxlovid is right for you.
It is important to start taking Paxlovid as soon as possible after you test positive for COVID-19. Paxlovid is most effective when it is taken within the first five days of symptoms.
If you have a positive COVID-19 test and you are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, talk to your doctor about Paxlovid right away.
Paxlovid is not a cure for COVID-19, but it can help to reduce the severity of the illness and the risk of hospitalisation or death.
Symptoms started in last 5 days
To be eligible for Paxlovid, your symptoms must have started within the last 5 days. This means that you must have started experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 no more than 5 days ago.
- Fever
A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Cough
A cough is a sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath is a feeling of not being able to get enough air.
- Other symptoms
Other symptoms of COVID-19 can include fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and loss of taste or smell.
If you have any of these symptoms and you have tested positive for COVID-19, you should talk to your doctor about Paxlovid right away.
Not hospitalised
To be eligible for Paxlovid, you must not be hospitalised due to COVID-19.
- Hospitalisation
Hospitalisation means that you are staying in a hospital overnight or longer because of COVID-19.
- Emergency room visit
An emergency room visit is not the same as hospitalisation. If you go to the emergency room because of COVID-19, but you are not admitted to the hospital, you are still eligible for Paxlovid.
- Home care
If you are receiving home care for COVID-19, you are not hospitalised. You may still be eligible for Paxlovid, depending on your symptoms and other factors.
- Hospice care
If you are receiving hospice care for COVID-19, you are not eligible for Paxlovid.
If you are not hospitalised and you have COVID-19, talk to your doctor about whether or not Paxlovid is right for you.
Not taking certain medications
Paxlovid can interact with certain medications, so you are not eligible for Paxlovid if you are taking any of the following medications:
- CYP3A inhibitors
CYP3A inhibitors are a class of medications that can slow down the metabolism of Paxlovid. This can lead to higher levels of Paxlovid in the body, which can increase the risk of side effects.
- P-glycoprotein inducers
P-glycoprotein inducers are a class of medications that can speed up the metabolism of Paxlovid. This can lead to lower levels of Paxlovid in the body, which can make it less effective.
- Other medications that interact with Paxlovid
There are a few other medications that can interact with Paxlovid, including some blood thinners, anticonvulsants, and statins. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.
If you are taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor about whether or not Paxlovid is right for you.
Normal kidney and liver function
To be eligible for Paxlovid, you must have normal kidney and liver function.
- Kidney function
Your kidneys help to filter waste products from your blood. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, they may not be able to clear Paxlovid from your body effectively. This can lead to higher levels of Paxlovid in your body, which can increase the risk of side effects.
- Liver function
Your liver helps to metabolize (break down) medications. If your liver is not functioning properly, it may not be able to metabolize Paxlovid effectively. This can also lead to higher levels of Paxlovid in your body, which can increase the risk of side effects.
If you have any concerns about your kidney or liver function, talk to your doctor before taking Paxlovid.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: consult doctor
Paxlovid has not been studied in pregnant women, so it is not known whether it is safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that Paxlovid can cause birth defects, so it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Paxlovid if you are pregnant.
Paxlovid has also not been studied in breastfeeding women, so it is not known whether it is safe to use while breastfeeding. Paxlovid can pass into breast milk, so it is possible that it could harm your baby. If you are breastfeeding and you are considering taking Paxlovid, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Paxlovid and whether or not you should stop breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and you have COVID-19, talk to your doctor about whether or not Paxlovid is right for you.
Your doctor may recommend other treatments for COVID-19 that are safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
It is important to note that Paxlovid is not a cure for COVID-19. It can help to reduce the severity of the illness and the risk of hospitalization or death, but it is not a substitute for vaccination.
Paxlovid not a cure, but can reduce severity
Paxlovid is not a cure for COVID-19. It is an antiviral medication that can help to reduce the severity of the illness and the risk of hospitalization or death.
Paxlovid works by preventing the SARS-CoV-2 virus from multiplying in the body. This can help to reduce the amount of virus in the body and improve symptoms.
Paxlovid is most effective when it is taken within the first five days of symptoms. It is important to start taking Paxlovid as soon as possible after you test positive for COVID-19.
Paxlovid can help to reduce the severity of COVID-19, but it is not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19.
If you have COVID-19 and you are at high risk of developing severe illness, talk to your doctor about whether or not Paxlovid is right for you.
Take Paxlovid as prescribed
If your doctor prescribes Paxlovid for you, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed. This means taking the correct dose at the correct time and for the correct duration.
Paxlovid is taken as three pills, taken together, twice a day for five days. It is important to take all of the pills, even if you start to feel better.
If you miss a dose of Paxlovid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
Do not take more Paxlovid than prescribed by your doctor. Taking too much Paxlovid can increase the risk of side effects.
If you have any questions about how to take Paxlovid, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about who is eligible for Paxlovid:
Question 1: Who is eligible for Paxlovid?
Answer 1: Paxlovid is authorised for use in people aged 12 years and older who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.
Question 2: What does it mean to be at high risk of developing severe COVID-19?
Answer 2: People who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 include those who are aged 65 years or older, have certain medical conditions, have a weakened immune system, or are pregnant.
Question 3: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Answer 3: The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and loss of taste or smell.
Question 4: How do I know if I have COVID-19?
Answer 4: The only way to know for sure if you have COVID-19 is to get tested. COVID-19 tests are available at a variety of locations, including doctor's offices, pharmacies, and community testing sites.
Question 5: When should I start taking Paxlovid?
Answer 5: Paxlovid is most effective when it is taken within the first five days of symptoms. It is important to start taking Paxlovid as soon as possible after you test positive for COVID-19.
Question 6: How do I take Paxlovid?
Answer 6: Paxlovid is taken as three pills, taken together, twice a day for five days. It is important to take all of the pills, even if you start to feel better.
Question 7: What are the side effects of Paxlovid?
Answer 7: The most common side effects of Paxlovid are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects can include headache, dizziness, and muscle aches.
Question 8: Who should not take Paxlovid?
Answer 8: Paxlovid should not be taken by people who are allergic to nirmatrelvir or ritonavir, or who are taking certain other medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
If you have any other questions about Paxlovid, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Paxlovid is an important treatment for people who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. If you are eligible for Paxlovid, talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you.
Tips
Here are a few tips for people who are eligible for Paxlovid:
Tip 1: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about Paxlovid.
Paxlovid is a prescription medication, so you will need to talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you. Your doctor or pharmacist can also answer any questions you have about Paxlovid.
Tip 2: Start taking Paxlovid as soon as possible after you test positive for COVID-19.
Paxlovid is most effective when it is taken within the first five days of symptoms. The sooner you start taking Paxlovid, the better it will work.
Tip 3: Take Paxlovid exactly as prescribed.
It is important to take Paxlovid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This means taking the correct dose at the correct time and for the correct duration. Do not miss any doses, even if you start to feel better.
Tip 4: Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking.
Paxlovid can interact with certain other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are taking Paxlovid safely and effectively.
Paxlovid is an important treatment for people who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. If you are eligible for Paxlovid, talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you.
Conclusion
Paxlovid is a medication that is used to treat people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. It is authorised for use in people aged 12 years and older who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.
Paxlovid is not a cure for COVID-19, but it can help to reduce the severity of the illness and the risk of hospitalisation or death. It is most effective when it is taken within the first five days of symptoms.
If you are eligible for Paxlovid and you test positive for COVID-19, talk to your doctor right away to see if Paxlovid is right for you.
Paxlovid is an important treatment for people who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. By following the tips in this article, you can help to ensure that you are taking Paxlovid safely and effectively.
Closing Message:
If you have any questions about Paxlovid, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.