If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, there are multiple treatment options your doctor may recommend — especially if you’re considered to be at high risk of getting severely ill from the virus.
The first step is to contact your health care provider right away if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19.
To maximize effectiveness, antiviral treatments should be started as soon as possible (but not longer than five days) after symptoms begin and testing positive.
Current available treatments for COVID-19 include Paxlovid™ (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir co-packaged tablets) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir) capsules.
Your doctor can help you choose a treatment option that’s best for you, based on your medical history and other factors.
Paxlovid™ (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir co-packaged tablets)
If prescribed Paxlovid™, you’ll take pills twice a day for five days. This should be started as soon as possible after testing positive for COVID-19 and no later than five days after you start experiencing symptoms. In a small number of people, rebound symptoms of COVID-19 occur after treatment is complete. Talk with your doctor about other medication you’re currently taking to make sure this is the best treatment option for you.
The drugs within Paxlovid™ have been approved for emergency authorization use only in treating COVID-19. Please see these important details:
Lagevrio™ (molnupiravir) capsules
This treatment option is often prescribed when other treatment options aren’t appropriate or available to you for various reasons. You’ll take the medication by mouth every 12 hours for five days. If you are pregnant, do not use Lagevrio™.
Like the other two treatments, Lagevrio™ has been approved for emergency use authorization. Please see these important details, especially if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant: