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Paxlovid™: A Treatment Option for COVID-19

Paxlovid™

Paxlovid™ may help patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. If you are eligible to receive Paxlovid, you can receive it when you have a doctor's prescription.

Paxlovid is not a substitute for the COVID-19 vaccine. It is not authorized to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent COVID-19 is by getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Paxlovid is available as a COVID-19 treatment when a patient meets criteria, including:

  • You must be 12 years old or older AND
  • Not requiring supplemental oxygen above baseline needs AND
  • Presenting within 5 days of symptom onset AND
  • Risk factor for progression to severe disease AND
  • Current diagnosis of Covid-19 with mild to moderate symptoms, defined as:
    • Positive SARS-CoV-2 antigen or PCR test OR
    • Unable to obtain PCR test AND symptomatic following exposure to person with test-confirmed Covid-19

At UPMC, use of Paxlovid is not permitted in patients with a negative PCR test. Taking Paxlovid when not indicated may put a patient at risk for side effects, possible drug-drug interactions, health care costs, and does not treat an underlying condition if it is not COVID-19.

How are antibodies made?

Antibodies are proteins made by your body's immune system that fight off infections, including infections caused by viruses. Your body can remember how to make antibodies if you are exposed to the same germ again.

COVID-19 Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have had treatment?

If you received Paxlovid for treatment of COVID-19, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are clinically well (recovered) and considered no longer contagious. Contact your doctor to learn more about when you are considered no longer contagious and able to come to vaccine clinic.

Can you receive Paxlovid if you already received the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. If you get COVID-19 and meet criteria for Paxlovid, you can receive it.

What happened to monoclonal antibodies treatment for COVID-19?

UPMC does not offer monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19. It has been shown to not be effective with the variants that are currently in our community. If you have COVID-19, as an alternative you may also be eligible for Paxlovid, an antiviral medicine taken by mouth, available at retail pharmacies with a prescription. Please talk with your provider if you have any questions.