Comprehensive medication guide to Paxlovid 5-Day including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$75 copay with most commercial insurance or Medicare Part D; prior authorization may be required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$1,400–$1,600 for a 5-day course without insurance; eligible patients may pay $0 through Pfizer's PAXCESS program.
Medfinder Findability Score
55/100
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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. 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.
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Standard dose (normal renal function)
Nirmatrelvir 300 mg (two 150 mg tablets) + Ritonavir 100 mg (one 100 mg tablet), taken together twice daily for 5 days
Reduced dose (moderate renal impairment, eGFR 30
59 mL/min) — Nirmatrelvir 150 mg (one tablet) + Ritonavir 100 mg (one tablet), taken together twice daily for 5 days
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.
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.
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Lagevrio (Molnupiravir):
An oral antiviral by Merck available under EUA for high-risk adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. It has fewer drug interactions than Paxlovid but is considered less effective.
Remdesivir (Veklury):
An FDA-approved IV antiviral by Gilead administered as a 3-day infusion for outpatients. Requires visits to an infusion center.
Convalescent Plasma:
Available under EUA for immunocompromised patients, administered via IV infusion.
Monoclonal Antibodies:
Availability varies based on circulating COVID-19 variants. Pemgarda is authorized for pre-exposure prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients.
Prefer Paxlovid 5-Day? We can find it.
Statins:
moderateLovastatin and Simvastatin are contraindicated; Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin require dose reduction
Blood thinners:
moderateRivaroxaban and Apixaban (increased bleeding risk); Warfarin (monitor INR closely)
Immunosuppressants:
moderateTacrolimus, Cyclosporine, Sirolimus, Everolimus — levels increase drastically and require close monitoring
Sedatives:
moderateOral Midazolam and Triazolam are contraindicated; Alprazolam needs dose reduction
Antiarrhythmics:
moderateAmiodarone, Flecainide, and Propafenone are contraindicated
Anticonvulsants:
moderateCarbamazepine, Phenobarbital, and Phenytoin reduce Paxlovid's effectiveness and should not be used together
Calcium channel blockers:
moderateAmlodipine, Nifedipine, and Felodipine levels may increase — monitor closely
Colchicine:
moderateContraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment
Erectile dysfunction drugs:
moderateSildenafil and Tadalafil levels increase — dose reduction needed
Hormonal contraceptives:
moderateEthinyl Estradiol levels may decrease — use backup contraception
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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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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