Paxlovid is a prescription antiviral pill manufactured by Pfizer and currently considered to be the most effective at-home treatment for mild to moderate cases of Covid-19. It decreases the chances of hospitalization or death for high risk patients by 89%.
If you test positive for Covid-19, you can get a prescription consultation from Dr. B, have the prescription delivered to your pharmacy, then take a course of 30 pills at home until you recover. Paxlovid is provided for free by the U.S. government for as long as Covid-19 continues to be a public health emergency. It must be taken within five days of the onset of Covid-19 symptoms.
Molnupiravir (or Lagevrio) is another prescription antiviral that treats mild to moderate Covid-19 in high-risk patients. It’s manufactured by Merck and shares similarities with Paxlovid including a course of pills taken over five days and the need to start treatment within 5 days of symptoms beginning. The medication is also provided for free.
However Molnupiravir is less effective than Paxlovid at preventing serious illness. It decreases the chances of hospitalization or death for high risk patients by only 30-50%. This is still significant and a good option for patients who may not qualify for Paxlovid due to pre-existing conditions or conflicts with medication. (Paxlovid has many drug interactions, while Molnupiravir has very few.)
The FDA has designated Molnupiravir as a backup option if no other Covid-19 treatments are available or appropriate.