Paxlovid® Tablets for COVID-19

This oral antiviral is used for eligible people with COVID-19. This page explains how it works, dosing basics, and safety points. You can access Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada, even if you are paying without insurance.

What Paxlovid Is and How It Works

Paxlovid® combines two medicines: nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. The first blocks a key SARS-CoV-2 protease, which may reduce viral replication. Ritonavir slows the breakdown of nirmatrelvir to keep levels steady. The treatment is prescribed for short, time-limited courses under a clinician’s guidance.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This therapy is supplied as co-packaged tablets for use at home. It targets the virus directly, unlike symptom relievers. When started according to labeling and prescriber direction, it can help reduce the risk of progressing to more serious illness.

For broader reading on infectious conditions and therapies, you can browse Covid 19 and our Antivirals category.

Who It’s For

Paxlovid for COVID-19 is intended for people at increased risk of severe disease, per local approval or authorization. Adults are the main population; some regions also allow use in certain adolescents who meet weight and clinical criteria. The medicine is not for prevention, for use after hospitalization for severe disease, or for those who have no confirmed infection.

People with severe kidney or liver problems, or those taking medicines that strongly interact with ritonavir, may need a different plan. Your healthcare professional will assess eligibility and timing.

Dosage and Usage

The standard regimen is nirmatrelvir ritonavir 300/100 mg taken together twice daily for five days. Take each dose at about the same times each day. Swallow the tablets with water, with or without food. Start only after your prescriber has confirmed the indication and checked for interactions. If you are unsure about timing relative to symptom onset or testing, follow the official label and your prescriber’s instructions.

Do not split or crush tablets unless your prescriber says it is acceptable. Keep a simple schedule, such as morning and evening, to reduce missed doses. If you also take other routine medicines, review a daily checklist with your pharmacist to avoid mix-ups.

Strengths and Forms

Co-packaged dose packs contain tablets arranged for the full five-day course. Availability can vary by region and supplier. The most common presentation is Paxlovid 300/100 mg tablets supplied as a twice-daily combination for adults who qualify. Your pharmacist will dispense the appropriate pack based on your prescriber’s directions and local labeling.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose and it has been only a short interval, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Keep the full course length as directed; do not extend or stop early unless your prescriber advises.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original packaging. Keep them dry and away from direct light. Place the pack out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, keep the full course with you in carry-on baggage along with your prescription label. A printout of your prescription or the pharmacy receipt can help during security checks. If you use a weekly pill organizer, keep the outer carton until the course is finished for reference.

Later in the course, some people travel or return to work. Maintain your dosing schedule through time zone changes by counting hours between doses rather than shifting abruptly. If unsure, ask your prescriber or pharmacist before travel. For sensitive items we use temperature-controlled handling when required.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This product is supplied as tablets. No pen, injector, or sharps are involved, so special needle disposal is not needed.

Benefits

This medicine offers an at-home, oral option for early treatment in eligible patients. Taking the tablets with simple timing can support adherence over a brief course. Because it targets a viral enzyme, it works differently than symptom-relief products. Many clinicians appreciate that the full regimen fits into a clearly marked blister pack, which can reduce confusion for some patients and caregivers.

Side Effects and Safety

• Taste changes, often described as bitter or metallic
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Muscle aches
• Nausea

Serious effects are uncommon but can include liver problems or significant allergic reactions. The ritonavir component can raise levels of many medicines; unsafe interactions are possible. If you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe rash, or trouble breathing, seek urgent care. If your COVID-19 symptoms return after finishing the course, contact your prescriber for guidance rather than restarting on your own.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A inhibitor. Medicines that highly depend on CYP3A for clearance can reach unsafe levels. Examples include certain antiarrhythmics, sedatives, ergot derivatives, immunosuppressants, and statins such as simvastatin or lovastatin. Many anticonvulsants and herbal products like St. John’s wort can lower antiviral exposure and reduce effectiveness. Anticoagulants require careful review; see our overview on Your Guide To Pradaxa for general background.

People with moderate kidney impairment may require a lower regimen per label. Severe kidney or liver impairment is generally a reason to avoid this therapy. Always share a complete medication and supplement list with your prescriber and pharmacist.

What to Expect Over Time

This therapy is taken for a short, defined period. Many users continue to experience mild COVID-19 symptoms while the medicine works; supportive care as advised by your clinician may still be needed. Finish the full course unless your prescriber advises otherwise. Keep hydrated, maintain your dosing schedule, and monitor for interactions if you start any new medicine during the five-day period.

As the course ends, you may be advised to continue isolation or masking based on public health guidance. If symptoms change significantly, contact a healthcare professional.

Compare With Alternatives

Other options exist for specific settings and patients. Molnupiravir is an oral antiviral authorized in some regions when first-line options are not suitable. Remdesivir is an intravenous antiviral used in clinical settings for certain patients. For hospitalized adults who need oxygen, an immunomodulator such as Olumiant may be considered per guidelines and labeling. Your prescriber will match the option to your situation.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy pricing can differ from local rates. You can review Paxlovid prices on our product page and compare options that fit your prescription. We provide US shipping from Canada with clear checkout steps, so you can see total costs before confirming. For broad context on antivirals, explore our Antivirals category, or read general health pieces like Lung Cancer Awareness.

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Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If the product is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a different authorized option or adjust the plan. Hospital-administered treatments, when appropriate, are obtained directly through clinical settings rather than retail pharmacies.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may be suitable for adults with mild to moderate illness who are at higher risk of progression and meet timing criteria. It may not suit those with severe kidney or liver disease, those taking contraindicated medicines, or people outside approved age or weight ranges. If eligible, consider a single fill that covers the full course. Set reminders for each dose. If you use other chronic medicines, coordinate refills together to reduce separate service fees and consolidate deliveries. For education on other therapies, see How To Inject Mounjaro or Guide To Exemestane as general medication guides.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Am I a candidate based on age, risk factors, and timing?
• Could any of my current medicines interact with this therapy?
• What symptoms should prompt follow-up during the five-day course?
• How should I manage a missed dose within the schedule?
• What side effects are most important to watch for in my case?
• Do I need any temporary changes to other medicines?

Authoritative Sources

Pfizer

FDA DailyMed

Health Canada DPD

When you buy Paxlovid online at YouDrugstore, your order includes clear billing and prompt, express shipping. Ships from Canada to US. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice; always follow your prescriber and the official label.