Not everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be able to get a prescription for Paxlovid, molnupiravir or remdesivir. Per the FDA, Paxlovid and molnupiravir are only authorized for use in people who have tested positive for COVID-19, are experiencing mild-to-moderate disease and are at a high risk for progression to severe disease. Paxlovid is authorized for people ages 12 and older. Molnupiravir is authorized for people ages 18 and older. Neither pill is intended or authorized for people who require hospitalization for severe COVID-19. They are also not intended for the prevention of COVID-19 in someone who was exposed to the virus. Remdesivir is authorized for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, has mild-to-moderate symptoms and is at high risk of severe illness. With the expanded use of remdesivir in 2022, you no longer have to be hospitalized to be eligible for treatment.
These medications are widely available. If you tested positive for COVID-19 in the last five days, contact your doctor or clinician to request one of these treatments or to answer questions about your eligibility or risk factors.