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COVID Medications
Medication for COVID available online
Prescription COVID pills can help shorten the duration of COVID-19 symptoms and infection. Book an appointment with one of our board-certified COVID doctors today to see if you’re a good candidate for Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) or Lagevrio (molnupiravir).*
Book an appointmentSame-day, expert COVID-19 evaluations
Test negative sooner
Decreased risk of being hospitalized for COVID
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. You may qualify for antiviral therapy if you are: within 5 days of experiencing mild to moderate COVID symptoms, confirmed to be COVID-19 positive via PCR or rapid antigen test, and felt to be at high risk of complications from COVID-19 infection. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and our prescription discount card.
COVID medications
COVID pills, known as antivirals, target the SARS-CoV-2 virus behind COVID-19. These drugs block the replication of the virus, either directly or by altering the affected individual’s immune response.
The COVID-19 pills can be taken at home to treat mild to moderate symptoms. Paxlovid and Lagevrio are FDA-authorized and, currently, the only medications for COVID that can be taken at home rather than in a hospital. Remdesivir is an antiviral for COVID only administered in a hospital setting.
Paxlovid
Created by Pfizer, it is a combination of ritonavir and nirmatrelvir
Nirmatrelvir blocks replication of the COVID-19 virus
Ritonavir slows down the breakdown of the drug in the body
Packaged in daily-dose blister cards (30 tablets per carton)
A total of three pills, taken twice a day for five days
Lagevrio
Created by Merck, the active ingredient is molnupiravir
Prevents the COVID-19 virus from replicating
A total of four capsules, taken twice daily for five days
Paxlovid and Lagevrio are most effective when started within 5 days of the first COVID symptom.Remdesivir
Veklury (remdesivir) is another antiviral drug that works by inhibiting the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. By inhibiting viral replication, remdesivir can reduce the severity of COVID-19 and prevent the virus from spreading throughout the body.
Initially created for Ebola, it's a potent weapon against the COVID-19 virus
Only administered via IV in a hospital setting for several days
Start within 7 days of symptom onset for the best results
Other medications may be prescribed for symptom relief, such as benzonatate for COVID cough.
Side effects and risks of COVID medications
Many people will have no side effects from COVID medications. However, they can cause some common side effects, including:
An altered or impaired sense of taste
Muscle aches
Increased blood pressure
Liver damage (people with existing liver problems may have a higher risk of this severe side effect)
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Rash
Speak to a doctor immediately if you experience severe or life-threatening side effects, including allergic reactions or swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue.
Ask your doctor if COVID medications are safe for you if you have any of the following conditions:
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Hemophilia
Hyperglycemia
Hyperlipidemia
Heart, liver, or kidney-related conditions
Many medications and supplements can cause drug interactions with Paxlovid. While some interactions are serious, others may just require a dose adjustment of your medication or holding your medication while taking Paxlovid. Please speak to a physician to determine if one of your medications interacts with Paxlovid. Common examples of these medications include but are not limited to:
Anticoagulants, including blood thinners such as Xarelto
Certain inhalers that contain salmeterol such as Advair or Serevent
High cholesterol medications, such as statins
High blood pressure medications
Migraine medications
Pain killers such as opiates
Antipsychotics
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
Currently, there are no known drug interactions with Lagevrio.
COVID medication FAQs
What medications can I take to relieve the symptoms of COVID-19?
Paxlovid and molnupiravir have been shown to decrease the duration of symptoms in COVID-19 patients. They are oral antiviral pills that can be taken home if you are confirmed to be COVID-19 positive via testing. Book an appointment with one of our board-certified physicians today if you're experiencing symptoms of COVID to see if you qualify for medication.
Can I take azithromycin for COVID?
No, you cannot take a Z-pack (azithromycin) for COVID-19. Since azithromycin is an antibiotic, it only works on bacterial infections. Since COVID-19 is a viral infection, it can only be treated with antiviral medications, like Paxlovid and Lagevrio.
How long does it take for COVID medications to work?
The time it takes for COVID medications to work can vary depending on the specific medication, the stage and severity of the disease, and the individual's overall health. Clinical trials have suggested that molnupiravir and Paxlovid can start to work within a few days of starting treatment.
Remdesivir is an intravenous infusion given in select outpatient infusion centers or hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. Clinical trials have shown that patients who received remdesivir had a median recovery time of 10 days, compared to 15 days for those who received a placebo.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of these medications can vary depending on several factors, including the timing of treatment and the severity of the disease.Can vaccinated individuals get the COVID-19 pill?
Yes, anyone with mild to moderate COVID symptoms can take the COVID-19 pill within the first five days of symptom onset to reduce the severity of symptoms. Your doctor will ask to see your COVID-19 test results before prescribing the COVID-19 pill.
Can I use the COVID-19 pill instead of getting vaccinated?
The COVID-19 pill is not a substitute for getting vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself from severe COVID-19 illnesses.
Is there an antiviral treatment for COVID-19?
Before December 2021, only one antiviral for COVID-19 was approved by the FDA, which is the antiviral drug remdesivir. Remdesivir is typically only given to COVID-19 patients intravenously in a hospital setting.
However, two pharmaceutical companies have developed oral medications to treat COVID-19 in outpatients. The Pfizer COVID pill, with the brand name Paxlovid, is taken with another antiviral, ritonavir, after experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Merck also received FDA approval for an antiviral drug, molnupiravir, an oral pill that can be taken shortly after experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
The release of both new COVID pills could help keep patients out of the hospital, as the medications can be taken at home.What were the results of the COVID-19 pill clinical trials?
In Merck’s Phase 3 clinical trial for molnupiravir, 775 high-risk, unvaccinated adults with mild to moderate COVID symptoms were evaluated. Only 7.3% of patients taking the antiviral for COVID were hospitalized or died after 30 days, compared to 14.1% of patients who did not receive molnupiravir.
In Pfizer’s Phase 2 trial of Paxlovid, they evaluated 1219 high-risk, unvaccinated adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Paxlovid shows promise, as it was found to reduce the risk of death or hospitalization by 89%. Only 0.8% of patients who took the COVID-19 pill were hospitalized or died after 28 days, compared to 7% of patients who did not receive Paxlovid. According to these results, Paxlovid seems more effective than molnupiravir in studies conducted in 2021-2022. Experts continue to recommend that everyone get vaccinated against COVID-19. The benefits are felt to be additive, meaning that the vaccine, combined with the antiviral treatment, would produce even greater protection against severe COVID-19 symptoms, especially in high-risk patients.
How to get COVID medication online

Step 1
Book an appointment to discuss COVID medication.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your doctor about COVID medication online.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer to determine eligibility. If you are within five days of experiencing COVID symptoms, are confirmed to be COVID-19 positive via a PCR or rapid antigen test, and are deemed at high risk, you may qualify for the medication.

Step 3
Pick up your COVID medication, if prescribed.
Prescriptions are provided based on eligibility. We can send COVID medication to any local pharmacy.
COVID medication pricing details
How pricing works
To get COVID medications online, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
COVID medication resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy health information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatments for Severe Illness. Accessed on April 25, 2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html.
Mayo Clinic. Molnupiravir (Oral Route): Before Using. Accessed on April 25, 2023 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/molnupiravir-oral-route/before-using/drg-20524779.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Updates Paxlovid Health Care Providers. Accessed on April 25, 2023 at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-updates-paxlovid-health-care-providers.
National Institutes of Health. Antivirals, Including Antibody Products. Accessed on April 25, 2023 at https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/antivirals-including-antibody-products/