Paxlovid™ tablets

Paxlovid™ tablets

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:

  • Usual dosing (eGFR > 60 mL/min):
    • 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.
  • Reduced renal function (eGFR ≥30 to <60 mL/min):
    • 150 mg (ONE x 150 mg tablet) of nirmaltrelvir 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.


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.