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Paxlovid Information for the Public

Paxlovid Information for the Public

 

Paxlovid is given to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in patients 12 years of age and older who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, and who meet the current Priority Eligibility Criteria.

Paxlovid Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents and Caregivers

Frequently Asked Questions About Paxlovid

On December 22, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the medication PAXLOVID. PAXLOVID is an oral antiviral medication used for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg (88 lbs) and who are at high risk for severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

A healthcare provider will determine whether PAXLOVID is an appropriate treatment for COVID-19.

How does PAXLOVID work?

PAXLOVID keeps the virus that causes COVID-19 from reproducing, preventing you from getting sick.

How do I know if I am a candidate for PAXLOVID?

Your healthcare provider will determine if you are a candidate for PAXLOVID. If you are immunocompromised or not up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine you should consider this therapy. Those with the following conditions are at increased risk of COVID-19 severe symptoms:

  • Older age (for example ≥65 years of age)
  • Obesity or being overweight (e.g., BMI >25 kg/m2), or BMI ≥85th percentile pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment
  • Cardiovascular disease (including congenital heart disease) or hypertension
  • Chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD, moderate to severe asthma, etc.)
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy) or other complexity conditions
  • Medical-related technological dependence (e.g., tracheostomy, gastrostomy)
  • Other conditions identified by the CDC for the person at risk for disease severity
 Is there anything I need to tell my healthcare provider before PAXLOVID is prescribed?

Please let your health care provider know if any of the following apply:

  • Allergies.
  • Liver or kidney disease.
  • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • Are breastfeeding.
  • Have any serious illness or medical history.
  • If you are taking oral contraceptives.
  • Provide your provider with a list of all your current medications.

How is PAXLOVID given?

  • The medication must be started within 5 days of symptom onset.
  • A qualified health care provider must prescribe PAXLOVID
  • Dosing of PAXLOVID is nirmatrelvir tablets co-packaged with ritonavir tablets
    • 300 mg nirmatrelvir (two 150 mg tablets) oval, pink immediate-release, film-coated tablets with "PFE" on one side and "3CL" on the other side
    • with 100 mg ritonavir (one 100 mg tablet), white film-coated ovaloid tablets with the "a" logo and the code "NK"
    • all three tablets taken together by mouth and swallowed twice daily for 5 days
  • Some patients with certain forms of kidney disease may need to take PAXLOVID differently than described above. This will be explained by the pharmacist and written on the label.
  • Ask the dispensing pharmacist if you have any questions about how to take PAXLOVID.
  • If you feel worse, or do not feel better after 5 days, contact your healthcare provider.
  • Side effects may include liver problems, resistance to HIV medications, altered sense of taste, diarrhea, hypertension (high blood pressure), and muscle aches.

Further information for patients and caregivers can be found at: FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS, PARENTS, AND CAREGIVERS EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA) OF PAXLOVID FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)

How much will PAXLOVID cost me?

Currently, PAXLOVID is provided by the federal government at no charge to you. Pharmacies dispensing PAXLOVID may bill insurance providers for the cost of dispensing the medication. Patients should not experience out-of-pocket costs.

Where can I fill my PAXLOVID prescription?

PAXLOVID is available at many pharmacies in Michigan.  For a list of locations please visit Covid Antiviral Treatment.

Can I receive Paxlovid without a prescription?

You are encouraged to seek care from your routine health care provider or visit a test to treat site. However, licensed pharmacists are authorized to prescribe Paxlovid to COVID-19 patients under certain limitations. Talk to your pharmacist for more information.

What information do I need to bring to the pharmacy to get a prescription for Paxlovid?

Your pharmacist will need the following resources to be able to prescribe you Paxlovid:

  1. Electronic or printed health records less than 12 months old, including the most recent reports of laboratory blood work for kidney and liver functions. Your pharmacist could also receive this information through a consult with your health care provider.
  2. A list of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.