Medications to Prevent or Treat Serious COVID-19 Cases
Are there medications to stop a mild to moderate COVID-19 infection from becoming severe in people at risk?
Yes, there are medications that can treat mild to moderate COVID-19. These are antiviral medications target parts of the virus to stop it from multiplying, lowering the amount of virus in your body.
Who is most at risk of getting serious complications from COVID-19?
Although anyone can become very sick with COVID-19, examples of individuals most at risk of serious disease include:
- Older adults aged 50 or older
- Unvaccinated people
- Those with conditions such as kidney, liver, or heart disease, or diabetes
- Individuals with a weakened immune system or taking immunosuppressive medications
- Obese individuals
- Pregnant people
If I test positive for COVID-19, what are my options for treatment?
Based on your health condition and age, your doctor or pharmacist may suggest treatment with an antiviral medication. There are several options for those at high risk for COVID-19:
- Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid®): Can be taken by mouth for individuals 12 years of age and older. Start this medication within five days of when your symptoms begin. A Paxlovid® prescription is typically 30 pills. You take three pills twice a day for 5 days.
- Molnupiravir (Lagevrio®): Can be taken by mouth by adults. Start this medication within 5 days of when your symptoms begin. Molnupiravir may cause harm to unborn children and is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
- Remdesivir (Veklury®): Injectable medication given every day for three days at a healthcare facility for adults and children. Must be started within 7 days of when your symptoms begin.
How do I get these antiviral medications?
Visit your doctor, pharmacist, or another healthcare provider to get a prescription for the medications to be taken by mouth (Paxlovid®, Lagevrio®). However, you must meet certain criteria before these medications can be prescribed to you. This includes having a mild-to-moderate case of COVID-19 and being at risk for it to progress into a severe case, which requires hospitalization. Your doctor or pharmacist can assess your risk. These treatments should not be used for individuals who require hospitalization or for those who have been exposed to the virus and want to keep them from becoming positive.
Remdesivir (Veklury®) is used in adults and children that are hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection. It is may also be used in adults and children who are not hospitalized and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19, and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19.
Can I get COVID-19 again, even after receiving Paxlovid®, Lagevrio®, or Remdesivir®?
Yes. Treatment with Paxlovid® and having COVID-19 does not keep you from getting it again. It is important to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive additional shots of the vaccine as necessary.
Are there medications to treat severe illness associated with COVID-19?
If your mild symptoms of COVID-19 illness worsen, contact your healthcare provider. Patients with serious illness due to COVID-19 will need to go to a hospital to receive care. They will be monitored closely and may receive oxygen or other treatments to help them breathe easier, in addition to medications to help fight the virus.
Summary
Researchers are continuing to study the most effective treatments for COVID-19. The best strategy to avoid becoming infected is to receive a COVID-19 vaccine series and any recommended additional doses. Additional treatments are available to prevent a mild or moderate case of COVID-19 infection from worsening.