Paxlovid™
This product is manufactured by Pfizer Canada Inc. and is a combination of two ingredients, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir.
This product is taken orally.
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orally
Why is it prescribed?
Paxlovid™ is used in adults to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients who:
- have a positive COVID-19 test
- have a high risk of getting severe COVID-19
- are ≤ day 5 of symptom onset: ideally as soon as possible after confirmation of a positive PCR test or RAT.
Administration:
- Take with or without food with adequate fluid.
- Paxlovid™ tablets may be split or crushed
- Take the medication regularly for the full 5 days.
Missed doses:
- If within ≤ 8 hours of the usual time it is taken, take the dose as soon as possible and resume normal dosing schedule.
- If > 8 hours, skip the dose and resume normal dosing schedule. The dose should not be doubled
Store at room temperature 15°C to 30°C.
Alternatives
See other products used in the treatment of •COVID-19 •
Recommended dose in adults ≥ 18 years of age:
- 300 mg (TWO x 150 mg tablets) of nirmatrelvir with 100 mg (ONE x 100 mg tablet) of ritonavir, every 12 hours for FIVE days.
- All tablets in a dose must be taken together; if doses are separated the ritonavir is unable to “boost” the nirmatrelvir, possibly making it ineffective.
If kidney function is reduced, the dosage may have to be lowered. People with very low kidney function may not be able to take Paxlovid™
Paxlovid™ contains two antiviral medicines - nirmatrelvir and ritonavir - that stop the COVID-19 virus from multiplying. This can help
fight off the virus infection and may help with faster recovery.
The most common side effect:
- Altered sense of taste. Taste will return to normal after you've stopped taking this medication
Common side effects:
- Diarrhea
- High blood pressure
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Headache
Do not use if:
- allergic to nirmatrelvir, ritonavir or to any of the other ingredients in Paxlovid™
Use with caution if you have:
- kidney problems
- liver problems including hepatitis
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
Drug interactions - Paxlovid™ has interactions with many medications. These may prevent use of Paxlovid™. Your healthcare provider will look into possible interactions closely before prescribing this medication for you. Please ensure that the healthcare provider knows all the medications you are on - even over-the-counter and herbal medications.
Use in pregnancy: Paxlovid™ should not be used in pregnant people unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Please note: Effect on fertility and on a fetus is not known, therefore all patients (all sexes) are required to use contraception or abstain from intercourse that can result in pregnancy for the duration of treatment and 4 days after completion of treatment.
Use in breastfeeding: Paxlovid™ can pass into breastmilk. The effects on the baby are not known. Discuss with your healthcare professional.