Paxlovid online prescriptions for COVID

Paxlovid targets the virus at its replication stage. Nirmatrelvir, a protease inhibitor, blocks the action of enzyme 3CL protease, which the SARS-CoV-2 virus needs to make new copies of itself and multiply. Ritonavir, a CYP3A4 inhibitor initially used as an HIV medication, helps maintain effective levels of nirmatrelvir in the bloodstream by preventing the body from breaking it down too quickly. By stopping the virus from replicating, Paxlovid reduces viral load, preventing severe symptoms and hospitalization.

Paxlovid comes in tablet form. There are three different dosing packs. The first, for use in adults and children ages 12 and older, is the standard dose. Each dose consists of 3 tablets: 2 tablets for a total of 300 milligrams of nirmatrelvir and 1 pill of 100 milligrams of ritonavir. The reduced dosing pack for patients with moderate renal impairment consists of 2 tablets of 150 milligrams total of nirmatrelvir and 1, 100 milligram tablet of ritonavir. The second reduced dosing pack for patients with severe renal impairment contains 300 milligrams total of nirmatelvir and 100 milligrams of ritonavir on day 1, and 150 milligrams of nirmatelvir and 100 milligrams of ritonavir on days 2 through 5.  

The nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets must be taken together. Paxlovid is taken twice a day, once in the morning and once at bedtime, for 5 days. The tablets can be taken with or without food. Paxlovid should be swallowed whole and not chewed, broken, or crushed. 

If you miss a dose of Paxlovid, take it as soon as you remember unless it has been more than 8 hours since your usual dosing time. If you miss a dose and it has been more than 8 hours since your normal dosing time, just wait for the next dose; do not double up on doses.

Paxlovid should be started as soon as possible after a diagnosis of COVID-19 has been made and within 5 days of when COVID-19 symptoms first began, even if the symptoms are mild.

Paxlovid is generally considered more effective in reducing hospitalization and death risk for higher-risk COVID-19 patients than Lagevrio (molnupiravir), another oral antiviral. Lagevrio works by introducing mutations into the virus, while Paxlovid prevents the virus from replicating. Clinical trials showed that Paxlovid reduced hospitalization and death by about 89%, while Lagevrio only reduced them by 30%. 

However, Lagevrio has fewer drug interactions, making it a better option for people on medications that conflict with Paxlovid (like certain blood thinners and statins). 

Both treatments have emergency FDA authorization, but Paxlovid got full FDA approval in May 2023 for high-risk adults, while Lagevrio remains under emergency use authorization. Lagevrio’s main side effects are nausea, diarrhea, and a possible risk of affecting fetal development, making it not recommended during pregnancy. 

Remdesivir is another antiviral treatment. Unlike Paxlovid (a 5-day oral pill course), it requires three consecutive IV infusions over three days, making it less convenient, especially for people at home. In clinical trials, Remdesivir reduced hospitalization risk by about 87%, making it similarly effective as Paxlovid. However, because it requires three consecutive IV infusions, it’s mainly used for hospitalized patients rather than at-home treatment.

Paxlovid is generally preferred due to its convenience, but for people who can’t take Paxlovid due to drug interactions or kidney/liver issues, Remdesivir is a good alternative. Side effects of Remdesivir include nausea, liver enzyme elevation, and rare allergic reactions during infusion. 

FDA-wise, Remdesivir is fully approved for hospitalized patients and for non-hospitalized high-risk individuals.

The best way to determine which of the COVID-19 treatment options is right for you is to consult a medical provider.