Paxlovid is an oral medicine to prevent the development of severe COVID in at-risk patients. It reduces the risk by 88%. Begin treatment as soon as possible after symptoms appear and a positive COVID test (that includes home test).
Rebound (recurrence of symptoms a few days after paxlovid is stopped) occurs in a minority of patients. Fortunately, it is usually mild, and the protection against severe disease remains. Severe disease means hospitalization is required and/or the patient dies.
Possible side effects include metallic taste in the mouth and diarrhea. Rarely, a hypersensitivity reaction may occur. Paxlovid should be avoided in people with severe liver disease or uncontrolled HIV infection. People with kidney disease usually require a lower dose.
Paxlovid was hard to get but is now widely available. To find a pharmacy that has it, go to COVID.gov and put in your address. There are sites that test and treat and other sites that just provide the medicine. See your doctor for a prescription or go to a pharmacy where the pharmacist is authorized to prescribe it. In that case, there is information you must provide the pharmacist; find out what is needed online as well.
