Antivirals for COVID-19: What You Need to Know
Antivirals for COVID-19: What You Need to Know
Antivirals are medications that can fight viruses and help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery from illness. They are not antibiotics, which fight bacterial infections.
Several antiviral medications have been shown to be effective in treating COVID-19, a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These medications work by interfering with the virus's ability to multiply and spread.
Antivirals for COVID-19 include:
* Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid)
Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are two drugs that are combined into one pill. Paxlovid is taken orally twice daily for five days. It is most effective when started within five days of the onset of symptoms.
Paxlovid is authorized for use in adults and children aged 12 and older who weigh at least 40 kilograms (88 pounds) who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.
* Molnupiravir (Lagevrio)
Molnupiravir is an oral antiviral medication that is taken four times daily for five days. It is most effective when started within five days of the onset of symptoms.
Molnupiravir is authorized for use in adults and adolescents aged 18 and older who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. It is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women.
* Remdesivir (Veklury)
Remdesivir is an antiviral medication that is given through an IV. It is most effective when started early in the course of COVID-19 illness, within the first seven to ten days of symptoms.
Remdesivir is authorized for use in adults and children aged 12 and older who are hospitalized with severe COVID-19.
* PF-07321332
PF-07321332 is an oral antiviral medication that has been shown to be effective in treating COVID-19 when given to people with mild to moderate symptoms. It is taken once daily for five days. It is not currently available in the United States, but it is being considered for emergency use authorization by the FDA.
How to Get Antivirals for COVID-19
If you have COVID-19 or think you may have COVID-19, talk to your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for antiviral medications. Antivirals are only available by prescription.
Side Effects of Antivirals for COVID-19
The most common side effects of antivirals for COVID-19 include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, some people may experience more serious side effects, such as:
* Liver damage
* Kidney damage
* Heart problems
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of antiviral medications before starting treatment.
Antivirals for COVID-19 are a valuable tool in the fight against the pandemic. They can help reduce symptoms, speed up recovery, and prevent hospitalization. If you have COVID-19 or think you may have COVID-19, talk to your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for antiviral medications.