Antiviral medication administered at home may reduce the likelihood of hospitalization for individuals affected by COVID-19.

In order to ensure proper treatment, the pills should be taken immediately. This means you must undergo testing, obtain a prescription, and receive the medication within five days of experiencing symptoms.

This medicine is meant for individuals with mild or moderate cases of COVID-19 who are at a higher risk for developing severe symptoms. This includes older individuals and those with preexisting health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.

Here’s the process for obtaining pills in the United States.

“Receive a COVID-19 home test and reach out to your healthcare provider. If they recommend medication, you can obtain it from your regular pharmacy.”

— Use a test-to-treat site, where pharmacists can check if you have COVID-19, write the prescription and give you the pills all in one stop. Find a test-to-treat site at treatments.hhs.gov.

The National Institutes of Health’s Home Test to Treat program provides individuals with a telehealth appointment and delivers medications to those who are eligible. For additional details, please visit www.test2treat.org.

Paxlovid is the primary antiviral medication prescribed for COVID-19. While its list price is approximately $1,400, the majority of individuals should not have to pay this full amount. Until the end of 2024, the drug is available at no cost for those enrolled in federal insurance programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. Additionally, those without insurance can also obtain it for free.

To receive the discount, you must participate in Pfizer’s patient assistance program. Those with commercial insurance and high out-of-pocket expenses can also receive financial aid through a co-pay assistance program. Visit paxlovid.iassist.com for additional details.

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