Paxlovid 5-Day Is an Oral Antiviral That Treats COVID-19 in High-Risk Adults

Paxlovid 5-Day (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir) is a prescription antiviral medication made by Pfizer that treats mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults at high risk for severe illness. It's taken as three tablets twice a day for five days.

If you've recently tested positive for COVID-19 and your doctor mentioned Paxlovid, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what it is and how to take it, to who shouldn't use it and how much it costs.

What Is Paxlovid 5-Day?

Paxlovid is the brand name for a combination of two medications:

• Nirmatrelvir — A protease inhibitor that blocks the SARS-CoV-2 virus from replicating inside your body.
• Ritonavir — A CYP3A inhibitor that slows down how your body breaks down Nirmatrelvir, keeping it active longer.

Together, they work as a team to fight the virus. For a more detailed explanation, see our guide on how Paxlovid 5-Day works.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Brand name: Paxlovid
• Generic name: Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir
• Drug class: Antiviral combination (protease inhibitor + pharmacokinetic enhancer)
• Manufacturer: Pfizer Inc.
• FDA status: FDA-approved for adults; Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for patients 12+ weighing at least 88 lbs (40 kg)
• Controlled substance: No
• Form: Co-packaged tablets (Nirmatrelvir 150 mg + Ritonavir 100 mg)

What Is Paxlovid 5-Day Used For?

Paxlovid is FDA-approved for one specific use:

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 or older
• Obesity (BMI 25+)
• Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
• Heart disease or hypertension
• Chronic lung disease (asthma, COPD)
• Immunocompromised status (organ transplant, cancer treatment, HIV)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking (current or former)

Paxlovid must be started within 5 days of your first COVID-19 symptoms. It is not used to prevent COVID-19 or treat people who are already hospitalized.

How Is Paxlovid 5-Day Taken?

The standard dosing regimen is straightforward:

Normal Kidney Function

• Morning dose: 2 Nirmatrelvir tablets (300 mg total) + 1 Ritonavir tablet (100 mg) — taken together
• Evening dose: Same as morning
• Duration: 5 days
• Total tablets: 30 (20 Nirmatrelvir + 10 Ritonavir)

Moderate Kidney Impairment (eGFR 30-59 mL/min)

• Each dose: 1 Nirmatrelvir tablet (150 mg) + 1 Ritonavir tablet (100 mg)
• Twice daily for 5 days

Important Dosing Tips

• Take with or without food
• Swallow tablets whole — do not crush, break, or chew
• Take doses about 12 hours apart (morning and evening)
• If you miss a dose and it's been less than 8 hours, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 8 hours, skip it and take the next dose on schedule
• Complete the full 5-day course even if you feel better

Who Should Not Take Paxlovid 5-Day?

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

• A known allergy to Nirmatrelvir, Ritonavir, or any ingredient in the medication
• Severe kidney impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min)
• Severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class C)

You also cannot take Paxlovid if you are on certain medications that have dangerous interactions with Ritonavir. These include:

• Lovastatin and Simvastatin (cholesterol medications)
• Amiodarone (heart rhythm medication)
• Oral Midazolam and Triazolam (sedatives)
• Ergotamine and Dihydroergotamine (migraine medications)
• Pimozide and Lurasidone (psychiatric medications)
• Sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension
• Colchicine (in patients with kidney or liver impairment)

For a complete list, read our guide on Paxlovid 5-Day drug interactions.

If you can't take Paxlovid, there are alternatives your doctor can consider, including Lagevrio (Molnupiravir) and Remdesivir (Veklury).

How Much Does Paxlovid 5-Day Cost?

Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:

• Without insurance: $1,400-$1,600 for a 5-day course
• With commercial insurance: Copays typically range from $0-$75
• Medicare Part D: Covered, though copay amounts vary by plan
• Medicaid: Generally covered (varies by state)

Ways to Save

• Pfizer PAXCESS Program: Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 (max savings $1,500 per prescription per year). Uninsured patients may also qualify for free medication. Call 1-877-219-7225 or visit paxlovid.com/paxcess.
• Pfizer RxPathways: Additional assistance at pfizerrxpathways.com

For more details, see our full guide on how to save money on Paxlovid 5-Day.

There is currently no generic version of Paxlovid available in the United States.

What Are the Side Effects?

The most common side effects include a metallic or altered taste in the mouth (dysgeusia), diarrhea, high blood pressure, and muscle aches. These are generally mild and go away after the 5-day course. For a detailed breakdown, read our guide on Paxlovid 5-Day side effects.

Final Thoughts

Paxlovid 5-Day remains one of the most effective oral treatments for COVID-19 in 2026. If you test positive and are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your doctor about whether Paxlovid is right for you — and act fast, because it needs to be started within 5 days of your first symptoms.

Ready to fill your prescription? Use Medfinder to find a pharmacy with Paxlovid 5-Day in stock near you. Need a prescriber? Here's how to find a doctor who can prescribe Paxlovid 5-Day.