Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir)
Paxlovid is an antiviral that can reduce the risk of severe COVID illness for people who qualify, but it only works if started within days of symptoms starting — and it interacts with a number of common medications. Your clinician reviews your full medication list, not just your COVID symptoms, before prescribing.
Reduces risk of severe illness for those who qualify
Must be started within 5 days of symptom onset
Requires a careful review of other medications you take
Visit options
Costs shown are for the visit only. You'll pay for medication at your preferred pharmacy.
Video Visit
$25
Est. or $100 w/o insurance
Chat Visit
$30
w/o insurance
Most insurance accepted
Board-certified clinicians
No hidden fees
Available nationwide
What is Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir)?
Paxlovid combines nirmatrelvir, which blocks the virus from replicating, with ritonavir, which boosts nirmatrelvir's levels in the body. It's used to reduce the risk of severe illness in people with COVID who are at higher risk of complications, and it must be started within 5 days of symptoms beginning to be effective. Because ritonavir affects how many other medications are processed by the body, a full medication review is a required part of prescribing it safely, not an optional step.
Blocks viral replication
Blocks an enzyme SARS-CoV-2 needs to replicate, while a second drug (ritonavir) boosts its levels in the body.
Narrow treatment window
Must be started within 5 days of symptom onset to be effective.
Requires interaction check
Interacts with many common medications, so a full medication review is required before prescribing.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Paxlovid treat?
Paxlovid is an antiviral used to treat COVID-19 in people at higher risk of severe illness. It blocks an enzyme the virus needs to replicate, with a second drug boosting its levels in the body. Waiting longer significantly reduces how much benefit the medication can still provide.
How soon after symptoms start do I need to begin Paxlovid?
Within 5 days of symptom onset — it's only effective when started early in the illness, so testing and starting treatment promptly matters a great deal if you're eligible for it. This review typically takes just a few minutes as part of your visit.
Why does Paxlovid require a medication-interaction check first?
Paxlovid interacts with many common medications, including some for cholesterol, blood thinners, and certain heart conditions, so your clinician reviews your full medication list before prescribing to avoid a dangerous drug interaction. Staying hydrated and eating something acidic like citrus can sometimes help lessen this.
Can Paxlovid cause a metallic taste?
Yes — an altered or metallic taste is a well-known and common effect during treatment, often described as "Paxlovid mouth," and typically resolves on its own after finishing the 5-day treatment course. Your clinician will discuss whether the benefits outweigh this consideration for your situation.
What side effects are associated with Paxlovid?
An altered sense of taste is most commonly reported by people taking it. Diarrhea and muscle aches can also occur; the medication-interaction risk is a bigger consideration than most side effects for many people taking other regular medications that could interact with it.