Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack Is an Oral Antiviral Medication Used to Treat Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 in High-Risk Adults

If you or someone you care for has been prescribed Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack, you probably have questions. What is it exactly? How do you take it? What does it cost? This guide covers everything you need to know about this medication in 2026.

What Is Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack?

Paxlovid is a brand-name prescription antiviral medication manufactured by Pfizer Inc. It contains two active ingredients packaged together in a dose pack:

• Nirmatrelvir 150 mg (pink tablets) — a SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitor that stops the virus from replicating
• Ritonavir 100 mg (white to off-white tablets) — a CYP3A inhibitor that acts as a pharmacokinetic booster, keeping Nirmatrelvir levels high enough to be effective

Paxlovid belongs to the antiviral combination drug class (protease inhibitor + pharmacokinetic enhancer). It received full FDA approval in May 2023 after initially being available under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) starting in December 2021.

Paxlovid is not a controlled substance and does not have a DEA schedule.

The 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack is specifically the renal dose version, designed for patients with moderate kidney impairment (eGFR 30 to less than 60 mL/min). The standard dose pack contains a higher amount of Nirmatrelvir (300 mg per dose).

What Is Paxlovid Used For?

Paxlovid is FDA-approved for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

High-risk factors include:

• Age 65 and older
• Obesity (BMI 25 or higher)
• Diabetes
• Heart disease or hypertension
• Chronic lung disease (COPD, asthma)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Immunosuppressive conditions or medications
• Cancer
• Sickle cell disease

There has also been some discussion about using Paxlovid in immunocompromised patients with prolonged COVID-19 infections, though this is not a formally approved indication.

Paxlovid is not authorized for pre-exposure or post-exposure prevention of COVID-19, and it is not a substitute for vaccination.

How Is Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack Taken?

For the 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack (renal dose):

• Take 1 Nirmatrelvir 150 mg tablet + 1 Ritonavir 100 mg tablet together, twice daily (morning and evening)
• Continue for 5 days
• Take with or without food
• Swallow tablets whole — do not crush, break, or chew
• Take at approximately the same times each day

Important timing: Paxlovid must be started within 5 days of your first COVID-19 symptoms. Starting it later reduces its effectiveness.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not double up.

The standard dose pack (for patients with normal kidney function) uses 2 Nirmatrelvir tablets per dose instead of 1. Make sure you're taking the correct dose pack prescribed for you.

Who Should Not Take Paxlovid?

Paxlovid is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you:

• Have a history of allergic reaction to Nirmatrelvir, Ritonavir, or any ingredients in the medication
• Have severe kidney impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min)
• Have severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class C)
• Take certain medications that have dangerous interactions with Ritonavir — including Lovastatin, Simvastatin, Amiodarone, oral Midazolam, Triazolam, ergot derivatives, Pimozide, Lurasidone, Ranolazine, and Sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension
• Take potent CYP3A inducers that reduce Paxlovid's effectiveness, such as Rifampin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or St. John's Wort

Because Paxlovid interacts with so many medications, it's essential to give your doctor a complete list of everything you take — including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. For a detailed guide, see our article on Paxlovid drug interactions.

How Much Does Paxlovid Cost?

Without insurance, Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack costs between $1,400 and $1,800 for a 5-day course.

Here's how coverage works in 2026:

• Commercial insurance — Most plans cover Paxlovid, though copays vary. Some plans may require prior authorization.
• Medicare Part D — Covered, and beneficiaries benefit from the $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap.
• Medicaid — Coverage varies by state.

There is currently no generic version of Paxlovid available.

Ways to Save

• PAXCESS Co-Pay Savings Program — Eligible commercially insured patients can save up to $1,000 annually on out-of-pocket costs. Available at paxlovid.com/paxcess.
• Pfizer Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP) — Provides Paxlovid at no cost to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Individuals earning below $46,950 (single) or $63,450 (couple) may qualify. Also available through Pfizer RxPathways at pfizerrxpathways.com.

For more ways to reduce your costs, read our complete guide on how to save money on Paxlovid.

Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects include:

• Altered or metallic taste (dysgeusia) — the most common complaint
• Diarrhea
• High blood pressure
• Muscle aches

Most side effects are mild and resolve after completing the 5-day course. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on Paxlovid side effects.

Final Thoughts

Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack is an important treatment option for high-risk adults with COVID-19, especially those with moderate kidney impairment who need an adjusted dose. If your doctor has prescribed it, start treatment as quickly as possible — ideally within the first few days of symptoms.

If you need help finding Paxlovid in stock near you, visit Medfinder to search pharmacies in your area. You can also learn more about how Paxlovid works and how to find a prescriber near you.