COVID-19 Antiviral Medications

Antivirals are effective at reducing the likelihood of severe illness or hospitalization from COVID-19. These treatments are most effective when given early and the sooner it is given the better.

The FDA has authorized two oral antiviral medications for treating people with mild or moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Both medications are administered as an oral pill, and need to be taken within 5 days of symptoms starting. Other treatment options may be available if your healthcare provider decides these medicines aren’t a good option for you.

In clinical trials, both medications were shown to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and death (although the Pfizer medication, known as PAXLOVID, was much more effective).

These medications are not for everyone, and you will need to visit with a healthcare provider and get a prescription to get the medication.

Limited supplies of antivirals

Supplies of both antiviral medications are extremely limited right now. There will be more people eligible to receive these treatments than the available supply. However, as production increases, supply will eventually increase as well. Other treatment options may be available if you can’t find antiviral medications or your healthcare provider decides these medicines aren’t a good option for you, such as monoclonal antibody therapy.

Paxlovid

In the era of Omicron, PAXLOVID is highly effective in reducing the risk of severe COVID-19. Patients 65 years and older treated with PAXLOVID had a 67% reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations and an 81% reduction in COVID-19 mortality.

Pfizer’s antiviral medication, paxlovid, is authorized for use in people ages 12 and older who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Patients must begin taking paxlovid within 5 days of symptom onset. Paxlovid isn’t recommended for patients with severe liver or kidney disease, it also may interact with other prescriptions a patient might be taking. It is not authorized for people who are hospitalized with COVID-19.

Paxlovid is taken as a course of 30 pills, 3 pills are taken twice a day for 5 days.

For individuals with moderate renal impairment PAXLOVID is taken as a course of 20 pills, 2 pills taken twice a day for 5 days.

Talk to a healthcare provider to see if this medication may be right for you.

Molnupiravir

Merck’s antiviral medication, molnupiravir, is authorized for use in people ages 18 and older who have tested positive for COVID-19, are at high risk of severe illness, and when there are no other COVID-19 treatment options. It is not authorized for use in children. Molnupiravir is also not recommended for use by pregnant women.

Molnupiravir is taken as a course of 40 pills, 4 pills are taken two times a day for 5 days.

Talk to a healthcare provider to see if this medication may be right for you.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get treatment?

You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to get antivirals. You may be asked to show a photo ID or other identification to make sure the right person gets the medication. This information is not shared with immigration officials or used to determine who would benefit from this treatment.

Risk Score Calculator

To find out if you might be eligible for treatment with antiviral medications visit our risk score calculator. You will still need to visit a healthcare provider and receive a prescription for the medication.