Antiviral Pills

The following antiviral pills have received FDA approval to treat the virus that causes COVID-19: 

• Paxlovid - Treatment started as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within 5 days of symptom onset - FDA Patient Fact Sheet

• Audio: The Promises and Limitations of Paxlovid

• Molnupiravir - Treatment started as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within 5 days of symptom onset - FDA Patient Fact Sheet

Both antivirals require a prescription from ​your ​medical provider​. Supplies are very limited​​, and are being distributed by leading pharmacies ​(including CVS and Rite Aid​) across the ​country​​.  

Monoclonal Antibodies 

Monoclonal antibodies are used for the treatment for many kinds of diseases, such as cancer, immune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and infections. The following received FDA approval to treat COVID-19, including Omicron:

• Sotrovimab — A single IV infusion, administered as soon as possible after diagnosis, and within 10 days of symptom onset (in an outpatient setting, in under an hour).

Monoclonal antibodies can also be used for prevention of COVID-19, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody treatment that is intended to protect individuals who are unable to mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination or are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to severe adverse reaction.

• Evusheld — 2 injections as prevention against COVID-19, given during one visit.

• * Revised FDA Guidance (Feb. 24, 2022): Effective immediately, FDA has increased the authorized dose of Evusheld to 300 mg of tixagevimab and 300 mg of cilgavimab

• ** For patients who have previously received an initial (lower) dose of Evusheld, contact your health care provider immediately, and return for an additional 150 mg tixagevimab and 150 mg cilgavimab dose as soon as possible.

Antiviral IV Infusions

Antiviral infusions have been used to treat people who are hospitalized for COVID-19. Recent studies have also shown that this treatment can be used for patients with mild or moderate symptoms who are not hospitalized to help prevent progression to severe disease.

• Remdesivir — IV on Day 1, then once daily on Days 2 and 3 initiated as soon as possible and within 7 days of symptom onset (in an outpatient setting, over three visits).

Treatment Guide

Lower Risk: Young and Healthy

 If you test positive for COVID-19, over the counter treatments for symptoms may include:

• Nasal sprays

• Cough/throat drops

• Decongestants

• Pain and fever medication (e.g., Tylenol, Advil)

Higher Risk: Older and/or with Underlying Health Conditions

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible for: 

• Oral antiviral treatment [within 5 days] *prescription needed*

• Monoclonal antibody treatment [within 10 days]

• IV antiviral Remdesivir [within 7 days]

Highest Risk: Immunocompromised

If you do not currently have COVID-19, but you have a weakened immune system due to conditions such as cancer, an organ transplant, or you are on medications that bring down your immune system, you may be eligible for:

• Evusheld Monoclonal Antibody treatment

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible for: 

• Oral antiviral treatment [within 5 days] *prescription needed*

• Monoclonal antibody treatment [within 10 days]

• IV antiviral Remdesivir [within 7 days]