Paxlovid
Generic name:nirmatrelvir and ritonavir
Dosage form: tablets, co-packaged for oral use
Drug class:Antiviral combinations
What is Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is an investigational medicine used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children [12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kg)] with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Paxlovid is investigational because it is still being studied. There is limited information about the safety and effectiveness of using Paxlovid to treat people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.
The FDA has authorized the emergency use of Paxlovid for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children [12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kg)] with a positive test for the virus that causes COVID-19, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, under an EUA.
Paxlovid is not an FDA-approved medicine in the United States. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options or if you have any questions. It is your choice to take Paxlovid.
How does it work?
Paxlovid contains two medicines: nirmatrelvir and ritonavir.
Nirmatrelvir [PF-07321332] is a SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) inhibitor (also known as SARS-CoV2 3CL protease inhibitor) that works by inhibiting viral replication in the early stages of the disease to prevent progression to severe COVID-19.
Ritonavir is co-administered with nirmatrelvir to help slow its metabolism in order for it to remain active in the body for longer periods of time at higher concentrations to help combat the virus.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by a virus called a coronavirus. You can get COVID-19 through close contact with another person who has the virus. COVID-19 illnesses have ranged from very mild-to-severe, including illness resulting in death. While information so far suggests that most COVID-19 illness is mild, serious illness can happen and may cause some of your other medical conditions to become worse. Older people and people of all ages with severe, long lasting (chronic) medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, for example seem to be at higher risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19.
Before taking Paxlovid
Before you take Paxlovid, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- have any allergies
- have liver or kidney disease
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- are breastfeeding a child
- have any serious illnesses
Who should generally not take Paxlovid?
Do not take Paxlovid if you are allergic to nirmatrelvir, ritonavir, or any of the other ingredients. See list of other ingredients at the bottom of this page.
What other drugs will affect Paxlovid?
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicine..
