Wondering why Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack is so hard to find in 2026? Learn why this COVID-19 antiviral runs low and what you can do about it.
You tested positive for COVID-19. Your doctor prescribed Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack — the renal dose version of the antiviral — and told you to start it as soon as possible. But when you called your pharmacy, you heard the words no one wants to hear: "We don't have it in stock."
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Across the country, patients are running into trouble finding Paxlovid at their local pharmacies — especially the 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack, which is prescribed for patients with moderate kidney impairment. In this article, we'll explain what Paxlovid is, why it can be difficult to find, and what steps you can take to get your prescription filled quickly.
Paxlovid is a prescription antiviral medication made by Pfizer. It contains two drugs: Nirmatrelvir (150 mg) and Ritonavir (100 mg). Nirmatrelvir works by blocking a key enzyme the SARS-CoV-2 virus needs to multiply, while Ritonavir slows the breakdown of Nirmatrelvir in your body so it stays effective longer.
Paxlovid is FDA-approved for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk of developing severe illness, including hospitalization or death. It must be started within 5 days of symptom onset and is taken twice daily for 5 days.
The 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack is specifically designed for patients with moderate kidney impairment (eGFR 30 to less than 60 mL/min). Instead of the standard dose of two Nirmatrelvir tablets plus one Ritonavir tablet, these patients take one Nirmatrelvir 150 mg tablet and one Ritonavir 100 mg tablet twice daily.
There are several reasons why you might have trouble finding this specific formulation at your pharmacy:
The 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack is the renal-adjusted dose of Paxlovid. Most patients receive the standard dose pack, so pharmacies stock far fewer units of the renal dose version. When demand picks up — even slightly — pharmacies can run out quickly because they only keep a small supply on hand.
COVID-19 hasn't gone away. During fall and winter surges, prescriptions for Paxlovid spike sharply. Pharmacies that normally keep just a few dose packs on the shelf may find themselves completely wiped out within days. The renal dose pack is hit even harder because it starts from a smaller baseline inventory.
During the pandemic, the U.S. government purchased and distributed Paxlovid for free. That program ended, and Paxlovid transitioned to commercial distribution. This means pharmacies now order Paxlovid through normal wholesale channels, and the high cost — around $1,400 to $1,800 per course — makes some pharmacies hesitant to stock large quantities, especially the less-common dose pack.
Some insurance plans require prior authorization before covering Paxlovid. This can add hours or even days to the process — a real problem when the drug needs to be started within 5 days of symptoms. Patients may visit multiple pharmacies trying to find one that has the medication in stock and can process their insurance quickly.
Time is critical with Paxlovid — it works best when started early. Here are steps you can take:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies that currently have Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack in stock near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online and save precious time.
Large chain pharmacies aren't the only option. Independent pharmacies and specialty pharmacies sometimes have better availability for less-common formulations. They may also be able to order the medication and get it quickly from their wholesaler.
If you truly cannot find Paxlovid, talk to your prescriber about alternatives. Remdesivir (Veklury) is an IV antiviral that can be administered in an outpatient infusion center over 3 days. Molnupiravir (Lagevrio) is another oral option, though it is considered second-line because it is less effective than Paxlovid in clinical trials.
Pfizer's PAXCESS program can help locate pharmacies with Paxlovid in stock and connect you with financial assistance if cost is a barrier. Visit paxlovid.com/paxcess or call the number on the Paxlovid website.
Finding Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack can be frustrating, especially when you're feeling sick and the clock is ticking. The combination of limited pharmacy stock for the renal dose, seasonal demand surges, and insurance hurdles creates a perfect storm of availability problems.
The good news is that tools like Medfinder make it easier than ever to locate the medication quickly. If you're struggling to fill your prescription, don't wait — check out our guide on finding Paxlovid in stock near you for more tips and resources.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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