Paxlovid is an oral antiviral medication used to treat COVID-19. It is a combination of two medications, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Paxlovid can be used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and children 12 years and older who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms). It is shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death in people at high risk of severe illness.
Paxlovid is often prescribed for people who have certain risk factors for severe COVID-19, such as:
- Obesity
- Advanced age
- Underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung disease
- Immunocompromised status
It is important to start taking Paxlovid as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 test result. The sooner you start treatment, the more effective it is likely to be. Paxlovid should be taken twice a day for five days, with food.
Who Should Take Paxlovid
Paxlovid is an antiviral medication used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in certain individuals.
- High-risk adults
- Age 12 and older
- Weight 40 kg+
- Positive COVID-19 test
- Start soon after symptoms
- Twice daily for 5 days
Paxlovid is not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccination remains the best way to prevent severe COVID-19.
High-risk adults
Paxlovid is recommended for high-risk adults who have mild to moderate COVID-19 and are at increased risk of severe illness. High-risk adults include those who are:
- 65 years of age or older
- Overweight or obese (BMI of 25 or higher)
- Have certain underlying medical conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Immunocompromised
Paxlovid can help to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in high-risk adults with COVID-19. It is important to start taking Paxlovid as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 test result. The sooner you start treatment, the more effective it is likely to be.
Paxlovid is taken twice a day for five days. It is important to take all five doses of Paxlovid, even if you start to feel better. Stopping Paxlovid early may make the virus more resistant to treatment.
Paxlovid is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Paxlovid can also interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking.
Age 12 and older
Paxlovid is authorized for use in people 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kg (88 pounds).
Children under the age of 12 or who weigh less than 40 kg should not take paxlovid.
Paxlovid is effective in treating COVID-19 in children and adolescents. In a clinical trial, paxlovid reduced the risk of住院ation or death by 89% in children and adolescents with COVID-19.
Paxlovid is generally well-tolerated in children and adolescents. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
If your child is 12 years of age or older and weighs at least 40 kg, and they have COVID-19, talk to your doctor about whether paxlovid is right for them.
Paxlovid is an important treatment option for people who are at high risk of severe COVID-19. If you are eligible for paxlovid, it is important to start taking it as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 test result.
Weight 40 kg+
Paxlovid is only authorized for use in people who weigh at least 40 kg (88 pounds).
This is because Paxlovid is dosed based on body weight. The recommended dose of Paxlovid is 300 mg of nirmatrelvir and 100 mg of ritonavir, taken twice a day for five days.
If you weigh less than 40 kg, your doctor may prescribe a different treatment for COVID-19.
Paxlovid is effective in treating COVID-19 in people who weigh 40 kg or more. In a clinical trial, Paxlovid reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 89% in people with COVID-19 who weighed 40 kg or more.
Paxlovid is generally well-tolerated in people who weigh 40 kg or more. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
If you are 12 years of age or older and you weigh 40 kg or more, and you have COVID-19, talk to your doctor about whether Paxlovid is right for you.
Positive COVID-19 test
Paxlovid is only authorized for use in people who have a positive COVID-19 test result.
This means that you must have a positive result from a PCR or antigen test to be eligible for Paxlovid.
Paxlovid is most effective when it is taken as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 test result. The sooner you start treatment, the more effective it is likely to be.
If you have a positive COVID-19 test result, you should talk to your doctor about whether Paxlovid is right for you.
Paxlovid is not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccination remains the best way to prevent severe COVID-19.
If you are eligible for Paxlovid, it is important to start taking it as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 test result. Paxlovid can help to reduce your risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.