Paxlovid

The oral antiviral pill designed for treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 for everyone 12 years of age and older.

Paxlovid

Available to all community members 12 years of age and over for FREE. While supplies last.

Paxlovid: Available at CHP

We work closely with the Florida Department of Health, community organizations, places of worship, cities, and counties to provide comprehensive vaccine and antivirals (PAXLOVID™) treatment services, community outreach, and support services to the residents of South Florida and beyond.

As part of our education and resources services, we encourage all recipients of Paxlovid to read over the information provided on this page, which includes critical drug interaction information, answers to your most frequently asked questions, and other medical information and resources.

What is Paxlovid?

Developed in the USA by Pfizer, Paxlovid is a medication that has emerged as a potential treatment for COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. It is a 5-day oral treatment designed to help keep mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms from becoming severe or life-threatening. Clinical trials demonstrated that Paxlovid was able to reduce the risk of COVID-19 related hospitalization or death by 86%.

Understanding COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads mainly through tiny droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. While COVID-19 affects people from all backgrounds, studies have shown that Black and Latin communities may face unique challenges, including higher infection rates and increased severity of symptoms.

Paxlovid as a Treatment Option

Paxlovid is an antiviral medication that has been authorized for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. It is designed to help people who are at risk of severe illness or hospitalization due to the virus. Here’s how Paxlovid works and how it can be beneficial:

  1. Antiviral Action: Paxlovid works by interfering with the ability of the virus to multiply in the body. By targeting specific proteins, it helps slow down the virus’s replication, giving the body’s immune system a better chance to fight off the infection.
  2. When to Take Paxlovid: Paxlovid is most effective when taken as early as possible after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. It is prescribed for individuals aged 12 and older who are at high risk of developing severe illness or hospitalization.
  3. How Paxlovid is Taken: Paxlovid is available in the form of pills. The treatment course involves taking a combination of two pills together twice a day for five days. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and complete the full course for optimal effectiveness.

Relevance for Black and Latin Communities

Given the challenges that Black and Latin communities may face with COVID-19, Paxlovid can be an important tool in managing the impact of the virus. It offers a treatment option for those with mild to moderate symptoms, helping to reduce the risk of more severe outcomes.

Paxlovid represents a significant development in the fight against COVID-19, offering a treatment option for individuals at risk of severe illness. For Black and Latin communities, understanding the availability and effectiveness of treatments like Paxlovid is crucial. As always, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate course of action based on individual health conditions and circumstances. Together, by staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can work towards a healthier and safer future for all.


Paxlovid Resources

Register for Paxlovid

Drug Interactions with Paxlovid

Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19

Paxlovid FAQ

The presentation of COVID-19 symptoms may vary; however, the most common manifestations of COVID-19 infection include fever or chills, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, myalgia, headache, anosmia or ageusia, sore throat, rhinorrhea or nasal congestion, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Although other infrequent symptoms have been documented, severe cases can culminate in extreme respiratory distress, necessitating hospitalization, and in many cases, death.

PAXLOVID™ is an antiviral medication designed to kill viruses. It was developed by Pfizer right here in the USA and available for all Americans under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). It is administered via three tablets twice a day for five days. Paxlovid can kill the COVID virus, including all its variants, including Omicron and others.

Right now, Paxlovid has Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), and it will keep getting approval from the FDA even after President Biden declares that the COVID-19 emergency has shifted from a pandemic to an epidemic for parts of our country and the world in May, 2023.

Learn more at Paxlovid.com

Extremely effective.

According to Pfizer’s own studies, Paxlovid reduced the risk of COVID-19–related hospitalization or death by 86% (link). Third party studies (link) have shown Paxlovid is 89-90% effective if taken within 2-3 days of symptoms in preventing severe illness including hospitalization, ventilator use, and/or death.

In either case, Paxlovid has proven to be extremely effective and safe.

The most common side effect of Paxlovid is a metallic taste in your mouth that usually last for approximately 15-30 minutes. This usually decreases with drinking plenty of water!  Less common are, diarrhea, elevated blood pressure or muscle aches.  Other side effects have been reported but are not common.

No.

Since the introduction of Paxlovid, the criteria for its dispensation have undergone some modifications. If you possess any of the following risk factors for contracting severe COVID-19, including advanced age (above 50 years), African American ethnicity, obesity, diabetes, chronic liver and kidney diseases, hypertension, heart or lung ailments, lupus, sarcoidosis, sickle cell anemia, asthma, HIV, cancer, history of strokes, Down Syndrome, mood disorders, depression, schizophrenia, pregnancy, smoking, or long-term use of corticosteroids, you will receive a Paxlovid packet. In the event that you display COVID-19 related symptoms and have been cleared by one of our healthcare professionals, you may take the medication contained in the packet.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at (888) 539-4111. For further information, please refer to the CDC’s list of underlying conditions.

Yes, there are many drug interactions. 

We encourage you to refer to the drug interactions links and downloadable documents in the “Paxlovid Resources” section of this page. We have organized mediations as follows:

  • Medications that are safe to take with Paxlovid are presented in the green sections.
  • Medications that are safe to take with some modifications of your regular medications are listed in the yellow section.
  • If you are currently taking any medications that appear in the red section, we recommended that you avoid taking Paxlovid due to the risk that stopping your current medications could lead to serious medical issues.   

Please see our downloadable guide (PDF) or visit the provided CDC drug interaction link.  In short, if you are on any of the following, you cannot take Paxlovid:

  • Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) these drugs are mainly for the treatment of irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmia which could lead to death if you stop taking it. 
  • Some anticonvulsant (seizures) medications such as Phenobarbital, Phenytoin and Primidone. 
  • Pain medications, such as Meperidine (Pethidine) or medications for Pulmonary Hypertension (Sildenafil, Tadalafil and Vardenafil).

There is no cost for receiving Paxlovid through CHP.

Before the end of 2024, the five-day druge course for Paxlovid has been confirmed to cost $1,390, so we’re pleased to be able to receive access to a healthy supply of Paxlovid to ensure our communities have full access to this life-saving drug and are not left behind. Our supply is not infinite, however, so we encourage you to get your Paxlovid supply while our free supplies last!

Special thank you to the leadership team at the Florida Department of Health for helping us make this possible.

Health Education

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