Get nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid) online prescriptions for COVID-19

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are prescription medications combined into a single treatment for COVID-19 for adults and some children at high risk for hospitalization or death. Talk to a provider to discuss whether nirmatrelvir and ritonavir is right for you.

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Product Overview

Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir (Paxlovid)

  • What is nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid)?
    Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir has been approved by the FDA for emergency use, treating mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and children 12 and over who weigh more than 40 kg, who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk of hospitalization or death.

    Talk to your provider about whether nirmatrelvir and ritonavir is right for you.

  • What are the common side effects of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid)?
    Using nirmatrelvir and ritonavir has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away within a few days.

    Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in taste.

    This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about additional side effects, please contact your provider directly.

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Medically Reviewed By Dr. Allison Edwards, MD

Frequently asked questions about Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir has been approved by the FDA for emergency use, treating mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and children 12 and over who weigh more than 40 kg, who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk of hospitalization or death.

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are available as a generic combination medicine or under the brand name Paxlovid. This combination medication is only available via prescription. This means a written prescription from a licensed health care provider is required before purchase. In addition, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are only prescribed after a patient has tested positive for COVID-19. These drugs cannot be used to prevent a COVID-19 infection.

The combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir is used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 cases in patients with a high risk of hospitalization, severe symptoms, or death. It is only prescribed to patients who have received a positive test for COVID-19. This medication is not indicated as a prophylactic (preventative) against the disease. It is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is highly contagious and may cause serious complications, hospitalization, and death in certain patients.

People with COVID experience a range of symptoms, including:

  • Fever or chills
  • Body aches
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are used in combination in a single treatment plan. This combination treats mild to moderate COVID-19 cases in patients who have tested positive for the disease.

Nirmatrelvir belongs to a class of drugs known as polymerase inhibitors and works by targeting the viral replication process of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. On the other hand, Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor that has been used to boost the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir by increasing its concentration in the body.

Together, these medications help inhibit the virus's ability to replicate and spread within the body, potentially reducing the severity and duration of COVID-19 symptoms.

Using nirmatrelvir and ritonavir has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away within a few days.

Common side effects reported from nirmatrelvir and ritonavir use include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Changes in taste

More severe side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nervousness
  • Skin rash
  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling of the lips, lips, or mouth
  • Dark-colored or pale-colored urine
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction or overdose requiring medical treatment.

As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. This combination of drugs can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.

Make a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements that you take before starting treatment with this drug.

You should also tell your health care provider about any medical conditions you manage.

Specifically, you should inform your health care provider if you have or have had the following:

  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease or dysfunction
  • Kidney disease or dysfunction
  • HIV
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Blood clotting disorders

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and inform your health care provider immediately.

This combination of medicines is supplied as three oral tablets (2 nirmatrelvir and 1 ritonavir tablet) to be taken twice daily for five days, with or without food. For the medication to work, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir must be taken simultaneously.

Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow the medicines whole with a glass of water.

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir have not been authorized to be used for longer than five consecutive days. Additionally, treatment with this combination of medicines should be started within five days of your first symptoms. Ideally, individuals should begin treatment immediately after testing positive for COVID-19.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir.

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir should be stored in the containers they were supplied in. Keep these containers at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.

Do not freeze this medication.

Keep all medicines out of sight and out of the reach of children. Ensure that the caps of all medicine bottles are tightly closed and locked (if applicable).

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. You can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy, depending on the medication. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not nirmatrelvir and ritonavir might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for nirmatrelvir and ritonavir to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are generic drugs. They are available in their generic form or under brand names like:

  • Paxlovid
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