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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).*

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*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

  • Diarrhea

  • 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:


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

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book an appointment to discuss COVID medication.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
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.
How It Works Step 3
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

To get COVID medications online, join our monthly membership and get discounted 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

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

Copay

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:


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Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Sources:

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.