Frequently Asked
Questions About
PAXLOVID

PAXLOVID has been authorized for emergency use by the FDA under an EUA for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in children (12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds [40 kg]) who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

The emergency use of PAXLOVID is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of drugs and biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization revoked sooner.

According to the FDA, an EUA is a mechanism to facilitate the availability and use of medical countermeasures during public health emergencies, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Under an emergency use authorization, the FDA may allow the use of unapproved medical products, or unapproved uses of approved medical products, in an emergency to diagnose, treat, or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions when certain statutory criteria have been met, including that there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.

PAXLOVID was studied in a clinical trial that included 2113 adults from around the world. All participants were unvaccinated adults, at risk for progression to severe COVID-19, had mild-to-moderate symptoms for 5 days or fewer, and tested positive for COVID-19.

The primary goal of the clinical trial was to see how well PAXLOVID worked to reduce the risk of COVID-19–related hospitalization or death when compared with placebo.

Learn more about how PAXLOVID was studied and see the results.

Viruses spread in the body by making copies of themselves. If there are enough copies of the virus in the patient's body, it may be hard for their immune system to fight the infection off. PAXLOVID works to stop the virus from multiplying and reduces the amount of it in the patient's body.

If your loved one or someone you know is commercially insured, they could pay as little as $0* on their PAXLOVID prescription. Enroll in the Co-Pay Savings Program to see if you’re eligible for savings.

You or the patient may still qualify for PAXLOVID at no charge,^† or for other programs.^‡ Please reach out to 1-877-C19-PACK (1-877-219-7225) to see what options may be available for you. You can also discuss with your healthcare professional or pharmacist.

^*Eligible commercially insured patients can save up to $1,500 per prescription. Annual savings up to $1,500. Federal and state healthcare insurance beneficiaries are not eligible. Terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions for the Co-Pay Program may be found here.

^†Other administrative fees may apply.

^‡With a focus on ensuring access for patients, the U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP) operated by Pfizer will continue to provide patients on Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA Community Care Network, and those who are uninsured access to PAXLOVID for free through December 31, 2024. PAXLOVID through USG PAP is not available to patients who have commercial prescription drug health insurance. The USG PAP operated by Pfizer is an independent program with separate eligibility requirements offered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is not owned by Pfizer. Terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions for the USG PAP may be found here.

Any available FDA-authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 viral test (eg, RT-PCR, rapid antigen) can be used to determine if you have COVID-19. Per the FDA, a viral test checks specimens from the nose or mouth and can be performed in a laboratory, at a testing site, at home, or anywhere else. This page can help you find a testing provider.

If you suspect your loved one has COVID-19 and has a high-risk factor, speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

For more information on COVID-19 testing, see the CDC’s COVID-19 Testing: What You Need To Know.*

*By clicking this link, you will be redirected to a website that is neither owned nor controlled by Pfizer. Pfizer is not responsible for the content or services of this site.

Patients can get PAXLOVID with a prescription from a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant. As of July 6, 2022, state-licensed pharmacists have also been authorized to prescribe PAXLOVID.

To determine eligibility for a PAXLOVID prescription from a pharmacist, bring the following information:

• Electronic or printed health records less than 12 months old, including recent laboratory blood work, for the pharmacist to review for kidney or liver problems. Pharmacists can also receive this information through your healthcare professional
• A list of all medications the patient is taking, including over-the-counter medications, so the pharmacist can screen for drugs with potentially serious interactions with PAXLOVID

Learn more about how to get PAXLOVID.

PAXLOVID should be started within 5 days of when symptoms start, so talk to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

The Test to Treat initiative* can help people get tested for COVID-19 and, if appropriate, receive treatment all in the same location. Find a location near you here or call 1-800-232-0233.^*

*By clicking this link or calling this phone number, you will be redirected to a website or service that is neither owned nor controlled by Pfizer. Pfizer is not responsible for the content of this site or service.

PAXLOVID consists of 2 medicines: nirmatrelvir and ritonavir.

• If the patient is prescribed the standard dose pack (300 mg nirmatrelvir; 100 mg ritonavir): They should take 2 pink tablets of nirmatrelvir with 1 white to off-white tablet of ritonavir by mouth 2 times each day (in the morning and in the evening) for 5 days. For each dose, take all 3 tablets at the same time
• If the patient has kidney problems, talk to a healthcare professional. They may need a different dose
• If the patient is prescribed the reduced dose pack (150 mg nirmatrelvir; 100 mg ritonavir): They should take 1 pink tablet of nirmatrelvir with 1 white to off-white tablet of ritonavir by mouth 2 times each day (in the morning and in the evening) for 5 days. For each dose, take both tablets at the same time

• Patients should swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, break, or crush the tablets
• Patients should take PAXLOVID with or without food
• Patients should not stop taking PAXLOVID without talking to a healthcare professional, even if they feel better
• If the patient is taking a ritonavir- or cobicistat-containing medicine to treat hepatitis C or Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) infection, they should continue to take the medicine as prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Talk to a healthcare professional if the patient does not feel better or if they feel worse after 5 days

Learn more about how to take PAXLOVID.

If a dose of PAXLOVID is missed within 8 hours of the time it is usually taken, take it as soon as you remember. If a dose is missed by more than 8 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses of PAXLOVID at the same time.

If the patient takes too much PAXLOVID, call a healthcare professional or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

The patient should not stop taking PAXLOVID without talking to a healthcare professional, even if they feel better.

PAXLOVID may cause side effects, some of which may be serious, such as allergic reactions or liver problems. The list below doesn't include all of the possible side effects of PAXLOVID. For more information, ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions, including severe allergic reactions (known as “anaphylaxis”) can happen in patients taking PAXLOVID. Stop taking PAXLOVID and call a healthcare professional right away if the patient gets any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:

• Skin rash, hives, blisters, or peeling skin
• Painful sores or ulcers in the mouth, nose, throat, or genital area
• Swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or face
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• Throat tightness
• Hoarseness

Liver problems: Tell a healthcare professional right away if the patient gets any of the following signs and symptoms of liver problems while taking PAXLOVID:

• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
• Dark-colored urine
• Pale-colored stools
• Itchy skin
• Stomach-area (abdominal) pain

The most common side effects of PAXLOVID include: altered sense of taste and diarrhea.

Other possible side effects include: headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, high blood pressure, feeling generally unwell.

Report side effects to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch* or call 1-800-FDA-1088 or you can report side effects to Pfizer Inc. at the contact information provided below.

For packaging options and information, see the Patient PAXLOVID Packaging Flashcard.

For more information

For more information

Contact one of the following groups:

For medical information visit www.pfizermedicalinformation.com
or call 1-800-438-1985

For general product inquiries call 1-877-C19-PACK
(1-877-219-7225)