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Get Paxlovid online for COVID-19 treatment

Paxlovid is an FDA-approved prescription medication for addressing mild to moderate coronavirus (COVID-19) infection cases. Book an appointment online today with one of our trusted, board-certified doctors to get convenient and cost-effective Paxlovid prescriptions ready for same-day pickup at your local pharmacy.*

Reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 86% in clinical trials (1) Shorten the duration of COVID symptoms Acts directly on the COVID-19 virus
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*To be considered for a Paxlovid prescription, you must be within five days of COVID-19 symptom onset and be at an elevated risk of complications due to the COVID-19 infection. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and our prescription discount card.
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What is Paxlovid, and how does it work?

Paxlovid is a prescription medication tailored to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults at high risk of progressing to severe stages, including hospitalization or death. It prevents the virus from multiplying in the body, offering a strategic defense against COVID.

Even if you only have mild COVID symptoms, taking Paxlovid can offer several benefits:

  • Advanced protection: 61% of study participants had two or more high-risk factors, showcasing Paxlovid's effectiveness across a broad spectrum of at-risk individuals.1

  • Life-saving potential: In trials, none of the Paxlovid-treated patients died from COVID-19 complications.5

  • Avoid long COVID: A study demonstrated that taking Paxlovid over six months reduces the risk of long COVID-19 by 26%.2

Paxlovid side effects and risks

Paxlovid went through diligent testing to ensure safety for patients. The most commonly reported side effects include impaired sense of taste and diarrhea. Less common side effects include:


Tell your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or if they get worse after five days of taking Paxlovid.

Risks and drug interactions include:

  • Several drugs, including Xarelto, Advair, salmeterol, benzodiazepines, opiates, alfuzosin, amiodarone, and lumacaftor/ivacaftor

  • Can affect hormonal birth control

  • May cause allergic reactions


Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver issues, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have HIV-1 infection. If you have any of these conditions, you may need to consider an alternative to Paxlovid. If there is a concern for a drug interaction between Paxlovid and a medication you are currently taking, please let your doctor know what you are currently taking and your doctor will either recommend adjusting the dose of your current medication or recommend a different antiviral medication for COVID. Always consult your doctor for personalized medical advice.

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How to take Paxlovid

Your doctor will guide you on how to take your prescription. General Paxlovid dosing instructions and information may include:1

 

  • Begin your first dose in the morning or evening, based on your doctor’s recommendation

  • Take all tablets in a dose consecutively

  • Take with or without food

  • Continue taking any ritonavir- or cobicistat-containing medicine for hepatitis C or HIV-1 as prescribed

  • Maintain consistent dosing times each morning and evening

  • Complete the full treatment duration; don't stop prematurely without consulting your doctor

  • Each pack has 5 blister cards, each card containing morning and evening doses

  • Each dose has two types of tablets: nirmatrelvir (pink) and ritonavir (white to off-white)

 

 

Paxlovid FAQs

Is Paxlovid for treating and preventing COVID?

While Paxlovid is FDA-approved to treat adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are at high risk of experiencing severe  COVID-19-related complications, it is not approved as a preventive measure against COVID-19.

Can Paxlovid benefit those with prior immunity to COVID-19?

Yes, Paxlovid was found to have positive effects on patients who had previously been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Is there a risk of COVID-19 rebound with Paxlovid?

Data from clinical trials found that a small portion of patients experienced a rebound in COVID-19 symptoms. It is important to note that other antiviral medications, such as Lagevrio, can also result in COVID-19 rebound.6

Can I get Paxlovid over the counter?

As a prescription medication, Paxlovid is not available over the counter. If you are sure or suspect you have COVID, talk to a doctor online or locally for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Paxlovid is proven to significantly reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. A doctor can assess your symptoms, diagnose COVID-19, and prescribe Paxlovid if appropriate.

Other over-the-counter medications might seem convenient, they can't target the virus itself. Skipping a doctor's visit can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention with Paxlovid. (Paxlovid is most effective when taken within 5 days of symptom onset.) A doctor will also consider your individual health situation, including underlying conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease. Paxlovid may not be suitable for everyone, and a doctor can ensure it's safe and won't interact with other medications you're taking.

Your doctor will also help monitor your progress and provide personalized guidance on managing your symptoms, including rest, hydration, and pain relief strategies. They can also advise on isolation measures to prevent spreading the virus to others. With PlushCare's convenient telemedicine appointments, seeing a doctor online is fast and convenient. If recommended, you can get an online prescription for Paxlovid sent directly to your pharmacy for same-day pick-up or delivery.

3 simple steps to get Paxlovid online

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book an appointment to discuss Paxlovid.

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

Talk to your doctor about Paxlovid online.

Consult with one of our physicians, using your computer or smartphone, to assess if you qualify. If your COVID symptoms started within the last five days, you have a COVID-19 positive PCR or rapid antigen test result, and you're recognized as high-risk, you may be a suitable candidate for Paxlovid.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up Paxlovid, if prescribed.

Prescriptions are provided based on eligibility. We can send Paxlovid to any local pharmacy.

Paxlovid pricing details

To get a new or refill on your Paxlovid prescription, 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:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

  1. Paxlovid™. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://www.paxlovid.com/.

  2. JAMA Network. Association of Treatment With Nirmatrelvir and the Risk of Post-COVID-19 Condition. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2802878.

  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA Approves First Oral Antiviral Treatment for COVID-19 in Adults. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19-adults.

  4. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). Paxlovid™ (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir). Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Therapeutics/Products/Paxlovid/Pages/default.aspx.

  5. Pfizer Inc. Pfizer's Novel COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatment Candidate Reduced Risk of Hospitalization or Death by 89% in Interim Analysis of Phase 2/3 EPIC-HR Study. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizers-novel-covid-19-oral-antiviral-treatment-candidate.

  6. PubMed. COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid and Molnupiravir during January-June 2022. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35794889/.




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.