Paxlovid is an antiviral medicine that works by stopping the virus that causes COVID-19 from growing and spreading in the body.
It's used to treat early COVID-19 infection and help to prevent more severe symptoms.
Paxlovid is a combination of 2 medicines called nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Nirmatrelvir stops the virus from growing and spreading, and ritonavir helps nirmatrelvir from being broken down in your body long enough to do its job.
It comes as tablets. You'll need to start taking them as soon as possible after you have tested positive for COVID-19 and within 5 days of your symptoms starting.
Paxlovid is only available on prescription. However, you will only be eligible to have the medicine if you're in the highest risk group.
If you test positive for COVID-19 and are eligible, call your GP surgery, NHS 111 or hospital specialist as soon as possible. This is so they can consider referring you for an assessment for COVID-19 treatment.
Key facts
- You will take 2 nirmatrelvir tablets and 1 ritonavir tablet twice a day for 5 days. Even if you start to feel better, it's important that you finish the course.
- It's important that you start taking Paxlovid within 5 days of getting COVID-19 symptoms.
- Paxlovid starts working soon after taking it.
- Side effects include diarrhoea, vomiting and a change in how food and drink tastes.
- There are lots of medicines that can affect the way Paxlovid works. Tell your doctor if you're taking any medicines.