Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Paxlovid 5-Day is an oral antiviral medication manufactured by Pfizer used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for progressing to severe illness, hospitalization, or death. It is a combination of two medications — Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir — co-packaged together. Treatment must be started within 5 days of COVID-19 symptom onset and is taken twice daily for a full 5-day course.
Paxlovid contains two active ingredients that work together. Nirmatrelvir is a SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CL protease) inhibitor — it blocks a key enzyme the virus needs to replicate, stopping the virus from multiplying in your body. Ritonavir acts as a pharmacokinetic enhancer by inhibiting CYP3A enzymes, which slows the breakdown of Nirmatrelvir in your body. This keeps Nirmatrelvir at effective concentrations for longer, making the treatment more potent.
Paxlovid comes as a co-packaged set of Nirmatrelvir 150 mg tablets and Ritonavir 100 mg tablets.
Paxlovid 5-Day has a findability score of 55 out of 100, meaning it can be intermittently difficult to locate. While Paxlovid is not currently on the FDA drug shortage list, many pharmacies do not routinely stock it due to its high cost and limited shelf life. Availability tends to fluctuate during COVID-19 surges, particularly in winter months. You may need to call several pharmacies or use Medfinder to locate a pharmacy with Paxlovid in stock near you.
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Paxlovid can be prescribed by a range of healthcare providers, including:
Paxlovid is also available through telehealth consultations, making it convenient to get a prescription without an in-person visit. Some pharmacists may also be authorized to prescribe Paxlovid under state-specific protocols.
No, Paxlovid 5-Day is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It does not have abuse potential and is not subject to the prescribing restrictions that apply to controlled medications. A standard prescription is all that is needed.
Serious but rare side effects include anaphylaxis, severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), and hepatotoxicity. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a rash, difficulty breathing, or signs of liver problems.
Paxlovid has significant drug interactions due to Ritonavir's potent CYP3A inhibition. It is critical to review all medications with your prescriber before starting Paxlovid.
Always provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take. St. John's Wort is contraindicated as it significantly reduces Paxlovid's effectiveness.
Paxlovid 5-Day remains one of the most effective oral treatments for COVID-19 in high-risk patients when started early. While the cash price of $1,400–$1,600 can be daunting, most insured patients pay $0–$75, and Pfizer's PAXCESS program can reduce costs to $0 for eligible patients. The biggest challenge is finding it in stock — not every pharmacy carries it due to cost and shelf-life constraints. If your pharmacy doesn't have it, use Medfinder to locate a pharmacy near you with Paxlovid in stock. Remember to start treatment within 5 days of symptoms and complete the full 5-day course for best results.
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