Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir): what it does and how much it costs
Paxlovid is an oral antiviral for COVID-19. Here's what it does, who can get it, how to access it via telehealth, and what to expect on price.
What Paxlovid does
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) is an oral antiviral medication for COVID-19. It's taken as a 5-day course and works best when started within 3 to 5 days of symptom onset.
It reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death, particularly in people at high risk of poor COVID outcomes: older adults, immunocompromised patients, and those with chronic health conditions.
How to access Paxlovid
You need a prescription. This can come from:
- Your regular doctor
- An urgent care clinic
- A telehealth visit (many telehealth providers now offer COVID-19 treatment consultations)
- A hospital or emergency department
Cost and insurance
Paxlovid was free to most people under emergency authorisation, but pricing has changed as the public health emergency declaration ended. Check with your insurance or pharmacy for current costs, as these vary by state and plan.
Who shouldn't take it
Paxlovid interacts with many medications. Tell your doctor about all prescriptions you take, particularly blood thinners, heart medications and certain cholesterol drugs.
Pregnancy is not a reason to avoid it if you have severe COVID risk; discuss with your doctor.
Next steps
If you have COVID-19 symptoms and think you're at higher risk of severe illness, contact your doctor or a telehealth provider same-day to discuss treatment options.
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