Oral COVID-19 treatment (Paxlovid^TM)

Health Canada has authorized the use of Paxlovid^TM in Canada. This is the first oral treatment specifically for COVID-19. It comes in tablet form.

Paxlovid^TM is intended to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms in people at risk of developing serious complications from this infection. It is estimated to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19.

Paxlovid^TM treatment must be started within five days of the appearance of COVID-19 symptoms. It must be taken at the home of the person who has COVID-19 for five consecutive days.

According to the recommendations issued by the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS), Paxlovid^TM is intended for people with COVID-19 who are at high risk of complications and meet the following criteria:

• adults who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (in French only) owing to an underlying condition or the treatment they are receiving for this condition (regardless of their vaccination status);
• people aged 60 or older, not adequately vaccinated (fewer than two doses) or not protected against COVID-19;
• people aged 18 or older, not adequately vaccinated (fewer than two doses) or not protected against COVID-19, and presenting with one of the following health conditions:
  • hemoglobinopathy,
  • obesity with a body mass index greater than or equal to 35,
  • diabetes,
  • chronic kidney disease,
  • liver failure,
  • high blood pressure,
  • cardiovascular and atherosclerotic disease,
  • chronic respiratory disease (for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or moderate to severe asthma);
• adolescents weighing at least 40 kg (88 lbs) and pregnant women, who present with at least one of the conditions listed above and who are not adequately vaccinated (fewer than 2 doses) or not protected against COVID-19, after discussion with a medical specialist or an experienced health professional;
• exceptionally, adults who are adequately protected or vaccinated presenting with a very high risk of COVID-19 complications (for example, very old age, several co-existing medical conditions among those listed above, especially if uncontrolled, and with poor protection against the circulating variant despite a complete vaccination series), after discussion with a medical specialist or an experienced health professional.

To receive Paxlovid^TM treatment, these people must also:

• not present any contraindications to taking Paxlovid^TM because of their health or their concomitant medications;
• have been symptomatic for five days or less;
• have a confirmed COVID-19 infection with a screening test (PCR) or a rapid self-test available from a pharmacy;
• not be hospitalized.

As soon COVID-19 symptoms appear, people whose condition appears to meet the criteria defined by INESSS must have a screening test to confirm a COVID-19 infection.

If they test positive, they must see a pharmacist, specialized nurse practitioner or physician.

The pharmacist, specialized nurse practitioner or physician will determine if they are eligible to receive Paxlovid^TM, taking into account the recommendations issued by INESSS.

If eligible, they will be able to receive Paxlovid^TM treatment free of charge at the pharmacy of their choice.

The COVID-19 Treatment sheet (PDF 121 Kb) also provides all the information.

Treatment with Paxlovid^TM is not recommended in the following cases:

• severe allergy to one of the ingredients in Paxlovid^TM;
• interactions with other medications being taken;
• severe kidney or liver problem.

Consumer information on Paxlovid^TM is available on the Government of Canada’s website.