Pill Treatment For COVID-19 in Orange County
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved two different pill treatments for COVID-19 called Molnupiravir and Paxlovid. These treatments are intended to help patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are at risk of developing severe symptoms. However, we are working to bring this treatment option to the Orange County community.
Learn more about Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir was developed by Merck and was approved by the FDA in November for patient use. It has been reported that in clinical trials, it showed that risk of hospitalization was decreased by about 30 percent, and health care professionals speculate that the efficacy could increase to 50 percent.
Learn more about Paxlovid
Paxlovid was developed by Pfizer and was the first antiviral drug in pill form to become FDA authorized. Patients who are age 12 and older may be eligible for Paxlovid to treat COVID-19 symptoms. The medication must be prescribed by a doctor and the patient receiving it must test positive for COVID-19 infection.
**Photograph: Merck & Co, Inc./AFP/Getty Images
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you become exposed to COVID-19, see a medical professional soon after you come in contact with the virus or within days of symptom onset. Know that monoclonal antibody therapy can be administered to patients who have been exposed or test positive for the virus. Pill treatments currently require a positive diagnosis. Before getting treatment, ask your primary care doctor or schedule a telehealth visit to talk to a healthcare provider today.
It depends on which treatment option you are receiving. For monoclonal antibody therapy, you may receive treatment as soon as you are exposed to the virus. For a pill treatment method, it is recommended that you begin treatment as soon as possible after testing positive for the virus. Please talk to a healthcare provider or your primary care doctor to determine what is the best option for you.
No, at this time neither pill treatment option is approved for children under the age of 12.