A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Paxlovid is a combination antiviral medication used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children (12 years and older and weighing at least 40 kg) who are at elevated risk for progression to severe COVID-19. This treatment is specifically designed to combat the novel coronavirus and has been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paxlovid is most effective when taken early in infection, ideally within the first five days of symptom onset. Before you buy Paxlovid, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Paxlovid price.
Fact Table | |
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Formula | C23H32F3N5O4 (Nirmatrelvir), C37H48N6O5S2 (Ritonavir) |
License | FDA approved |
Bioavailability | Oral: ~50% (Ritonavir), ~70% (Nirmatrelvir) |
Legal status | Prescription only |
Chemical Name | Nirmatrelvir, Ritonavir |
Elimination half-life | ~7 hours (Nirmatrelvir), ~3-5 hours (Ritonavir) |
Dosage (Strength) | 300 mg Nirmatrelvir / 100 mg Ritonavir per dose |
Pregnancy | Consult with a healthcare provider |
Brands | Paxlovid |
Protein binding | Nirmatrelvir: ~69%, Ritonavir: ~98-99% |
PubChem CID | 155903259 (Nirmatrelvir), 392622 (Ritonavir) |
MedlinePlus | Available |
ChEBI | CHEBI:195790 (Nirmatrelvir), CHEBI:45409 (Ritonavir) |
ATC code | J05AR27 |
DrugBank | DB15823 (Nirmatrelvir), DB00503 (Ritonavir) |
KEGG | D12356 (Nirmatrelvir), D00432 (Ritonavir) |
Routes of administration | Oral |
Adults and Children (12 years and older, weighing at least 40 kg): Take one Paxlovid dose twice daily for 5 days. Each dose consists of 2 tablets of Nirmatrelvir and 1 tablet of Ritonavir.
Administration: Take Paxlovid orally with or without food.
Active Ingredients: Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir.
Patients with severe kidney problems should not use Paxlovid. Dose adjustments are necessary for those with moderate renal impairment.
Patients with severe liver problems should avoid Paxlovid.
Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting Paxlovid.
Inform your healthcare provider of any known allergies to Nirmatrelvir, Ritonavir, or any other ingredients in Paxlovid.
Interactions
Paxlovid can interact with a variety of medications, which may affect how it works or increase the risk of serious side effects. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are currently taking. Some notable interactions include:
Avoid using St. John's Wort, a common herbal supplement, as it can significantly reduce the effectiveness of Paxlovid. Inform your healthcare provider if you are using hormonal contraceptives, as Paxlovid may reduce their effectiveness, necessitating the use of additional non-hormonal contraceptive methods.
Common side effects of Paxlovid include:
Can you drink alcohol while taking Paxlovid?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Paxlovid as it may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and increase the risk of side effects.
Can Paxlovid be crushed?
The manufacturer states that Paxlovid should not be crushed or split due to lack of information. However, some jurisdictions allow crushing and splitting based on certain studies.
Is Paxlovid safe in pregnancy?
Emerging evidence suggests that Paxlovid is generally safe to take during pregnancy.
Does Paxlovid expire?
Paxlovid has a shelf-life of 24 months from the date of manufacture.
Does Paxlovid reduce fever?
Paxlovid is an antiviral medication used to treat COVID-19 and can help reduce symptoms, including fever.
Can children take Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is authorized for patients who are 12 years or older and weigh more than 40 kg (88 lbs). Children under 12, or children 12 or older who weigh less than 88 lbs, cannot receive Paxlovid.
Can I start Paxlovid at night?
You can take your first dose of Paxlovid in the morning or evening, depending on when you pick up your prescription, or at the time your healthcare professional recommends.
Can Paxlovid cause yeast infection?
There is no evidence to suggest that Paxlovid causes yeast infections.
Can Paxlovid cause insomnia?
While insomnia hasn’t been reported as a side effect of Paxlovid in clinical trials, some people have reported disrupted sleep while taking this drug.
Can you take expired Paxlovid?
It is not recommended to take any medication past its expiry date. Always check the expiry date before taking a medication.